Can dexamethasone be used for meningitis
It’s hard to think about dexamethasone for meningitis because most people think of the medication as being used predominantly for skin irritations. However, it is used to control inflammation, which includes reducing redness and swelling.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges and can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. Some of the symptoms include rigid muscles, sensitivity to light, and intense fever. If not treated quickly and effectively, it can lead to convulsions and even death.
Dexamethasone is most commonly a prescription gel or ointment, though it is also available as an injection. The injection allows the medication to get into the body and work as immunotherapy. This will help to control the inflammation and get the situation under control.
Dexamethasone for meningitis is given as an injection and will be used prior to the first dose of antibiotics. This is done to ensure that the swelling and overall redness starts to reduce and can even help with the fever and headaches prior to the rest of the medication is taken.
When a person is diagnosed with meningitis, they need to have their mental capacities explored and seizure precautions need to be taken. They also need to be monitored around the clock to ensure that they are taken care of in the event that something happens. It is possible that more than one dose of the dexamethasone injections will be required, but it depends on how the patient is responding to the rest of the antibiotic therapy that is in place.
Not too many people think about using dexamethasone for meningitis because it is popular for psoriasis, eczema, and various skin problems. However, the meninges is a form of skin as well, it is simply inside the body. This is why the injections are going to be the way to get the medication into the body.
In some instances, dexamethasone for meningitis cannot be used and that is because of how the medication works alongside of other medications as well as other health problems. Women who are pregnant or nursing will not be able to get the injection. Those who are diabetic or who have shingles may also be unable to take the medication.
A doctor is going to review all medicine that a patient is on and ask about herbal remedies and supplements that may also be taken. This is done to try and minimize any negative reactions. Some of the side effects that exist with the injection include dry skin and irritation, blurred vision, and thinning or discoloration of the skin. In some instances, there may also be faster hair growth or an inflammation within the hair follicles.
Dexamethasone can be used for meningitis but it depends on the individual patient.