Dexamethasone injections during pregnancy, taking the drug

Medical Consultant Pregnancy Dexamethasone for pregnant women - is the risk justified

Pregnancy is a special stage in the life of every woman; during this time, expectant mothers try to pay as much attention as possible to their health. It is advisable to avoid taking any medications, because sometimes it is difficult to predict the effect that the medicine will have on the rebuilding body of the expectant mother. However, there are situations when it is impossible to do without medical intervention in order to preserve the life and health of your unborn baby. Today we will look at how the drug Dexamethasone works and in what cases doctors prescribe it.

• In what cases is Dexamethasone necessary?

  When and why the product is used - table

What is the effect and why take it during pregnancy

To begin with, it is worth clarifying that the drug Dexamethasone is a drug with a wide spectrum of action, which is prescribed for hormonal imbalances; accordingly, side effects will manifest themselves in various systems of the body. The drug has different effects on the body of the mother and the unborn child.

The active substance is Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (dexamethasone phosphate disodium salt). Release form: tablets, eye drops, and injection solution in ampoules.

Mostly during pregnancy, doctors prescribe Dexamethasone injections or tablets. The drug has antiallergic, antitoxic, anti-inflammatory, desensitizing, immunosuppressive and antishock effects.

In the early stages of pregnancy, or more precisely, in the first trimester, it is prescribed to prevent miscarriage (Dexamethasone tablets). When taken by a pregnant woman, it also actively affects the fetus, as it easily overcomes the placental barrier. At the same time, if the side effects for the mother herself are known, then the reaction of the fetus to taking it is extremely difficult to predict. The reaction can appear even in adulthood. According to the principle of action, Dexamethasone actively changes the amniotic environment, which causes stress in the unborn child. Experts believe that taking Dexamethasone during pregnancy may be associated with the development of heart failure, diabetes mellitus or hypertension in the child in the future. It is also possible to slow down intrauterine development of the fetus when taking this drug.

Forms of release of the drug

Dexamethasone comes in several forms. Each of them has its own indications, contraindications and dosage. During pregnancy, the drug can be prescribed in tablets (outpatient and inpatient) or by injection (inpatient).

Ampoules

Dexamethasone in ampoules is a clear, colorless or yellowish solution for injection. Injections can be given intravenously, intramuscularly, intraarticularly, periarticularly and retrobulbarly. Intravenous administration is sometimes carried out using a dropper. Pharmacies offer two volumes of ampoules: 1 and 2 ml (4 and 8 mg of active substance, respectively). Packaging – 5 or 10 pcs.

Dexamethasone in ampoules during pregnancy is used in severe and critical cases. It is administered intravenously and intramuscularly for disorders of the endocrine system, allergies, and cancer. For severe rheumatic pain, the drug is prescribed as an intra-articular injection.

Drops

One of the forms of Dexamethasone is eye drops 0.1%. They are a white suspension. Available in 10 ml dropper bottles. 1 ml contains 1 mg of active substance. Indicated for ophthalmological diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes and allergic manifestations, as well as for eye injuries.

Dexamethasone drops are prescribed extremely rarely during pregnancy - in case of severe inflammation of the conjunctiva, allergic reaction, or injury. Whenever possible, doctors replace it with safer drugs.

Pills

Dexamethasone comes in tablet form. Each contains 0.5 mg of active substance. Pharmacies offer packages of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100 pcs. Tablets are indicated for a wide range of diseases, including bronchial asthma, acute eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and cerebral edema.

Dexamethasone tablets are prescribed more often than other forms during pregnancy. They are easy to use and do not require a hospital stay. This is especially important when the drug must be taken for the entire 9 months. Tablets are prescribed to normalize and maintain the required level of hormones, as well as for allergic reactions of mild and moderate severity.

In what cases is Dexamethasone necessary?

Despite the risks that arise when taking such a strong hormonal drug, sometimes such a risk is justified. It is worth considering that doctors prescribe it only if there are serious concerns for the health of the child or his mother. So, the drug is prescribed if there are:

1. Risk of miscarriage. It is used when the level of production of androgens - male sex hormones - in the mother's body is exceeded, which can cause miscarriage, in the first trimester of pregnancy. The purpose of the treatment is to stop premature termination of pregnancy or prevent it in the early stages.
2. Disturbances in fetal development. The drug is prescribed to prevent the appearance of signs of male development in a girl (for the same reason: with increased production of androgens).
3. Threat of premature birth. It is used to open the child’s lungs in a situation where the pregnant woman is injured and placental abruption occurs (in the last trimester of pregnancy). Or if for other reasons there is reason to believe that labor will begin in the near future, and the baby’s lungs are not yet ready.
4. The presence of chronic autoimmune diseases in a pregnant woman. An exacerbation of such ailments in a pregnant woman will cause an autoimmune attack in the amniotic environment, which Dexamethasone is designed to stop. It is also used for various serious diseases in the endocrine system.
5. Presence of cancer in the mother. The drug prevents the division of harmful cells and spread to the fetus.

The choice of form depends on the reason for prescribing the drug. Let us remind you that there are 3 of them: injections, tablets and eye drops.

When and why the product is used - table

It is worth keeping in mind that injection of the drug is prescribed only in emergency cases, since with this method the maximum concentration of Dexamethasone in the blood is achieved quickly. Thanks to this, the child’s body is able to prepare the respiratory system for normal functioning after premature birth.

Dexamethasone during pregnancy for the lungs

Dexamethasone is prescribed during pregnancy to open the baby's lungs. If the patient begins premature labor, then in order to prevent the birth of a premature baby, the contractions stop. To do this, agents are introduced that can suppress. And to mature the respiratory organs of the child, the mother is administered Dexamethasone. This is the main case why Dexamethasone is prescribed during pregnancy.

Dexamethasone injections during pregnancy.

The small organism perceives this substance as a signal of preparation for childbirth and prepares for birth. This way his lungs mature and when he is born he will be able to breathe on his own. The medicine is also prescribed when the child lacks adrenal hormones, but this is a very rare disease.

The instructions for Dexamethasone indicate that during pregnancy it is prescribed to reduce the amount of androgens. And although the instructions prohibit the use of this remedy for pregnant women, it is widespread in gynecology. If you reduce the production of male sex hormones with this substance, it goes away.

Dexamethasone during pregnancy at 33 weeks or earlier is used to prevent diseases of the child's respiratory tract, and also prevents miscarriage. The course of prevention or treatment, as well as the dosage, can only be determined and prescribed by the attending physician, since successful treatment is possible with an individual approach.

Dexamethasone tablets.

This substance lowers blood pressure and, if used regularly, will weaken the heart muscle. It increases pressure inside the skull and inside the eyes, causing migraines and other disorders. The patient needs more carbohydrates and the amount of fat increases, so if the woman is sick or obese, she is prohibited from taking this substance. It is not used for vein thrombosis. But in a critical situation that threatens the life of the patient or her child, this substance must be used.

Every woman during pregnancy is afraid of harming the baby through her actions or inactions. Even with complete confidence in the doctor, the prescription of hormonal drugs during this period is questionable. One such medicine is Dexamethasone. It helps maintain pregnancy when there is an excess of male hormones, but has the potential for serious side effects.

Contraindications and side effects

The drug is hormonal and therefore has a large number of contraindications. The instructions for Dexamethasone warn against use during pregnancy, and that is why the dosage and need for use can only be determined by your attending physician! Side effects depend on various factors, such as the duration of the course and dosage.

Contraindications

General, for all forms of release of the drug:

• infectious and parasitic diseases of a bacterial or viral nature.
• immunodeficiency states;
• the period before and after preventive vaccination (especially before and after antiviral vaccinations);
• systemic osteoporosis;
• gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers, colitis, diverticulitis, newly created intestinal anastomosis, etc.);
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• diabetes;
• psychosis;
• acute liver/renal failure.

You should also not use eye drops for the following diseases:

• tuberculous, fungal, viral eye infections;
• trachoma;
• glaucoma;
• epithelial damage to the cornea.

Side effects

Dexamethasone has a very strong effect on the body. Therefore, side effects can occur of completely different types. We present here the most common ones from medical practice.

The most common:

• increased appetite;
• weight gain;
• mental disorders;
• adrenal insufficiency;
• glucose intolerance.

Less likely to appear:

• allergies;
• stomach ulcers;
• acute pancreatitis

Doctors also note that with long-term use of the drug, the patient may become obese, adrenal function may be impaired, and the skin may become more vulnerable to infections.

I know from myself that taking hormonal drugs of any type is always fraught with side effects, the most common of which is obesity. The prospect of a future with any manifestation of such an effect is, of course, unpleasant, however, as in the case of other diseases, the patient has to choose. If we talk about Dexamethasone, then according to the reviews of most mothers, the choice often falls on taking the medicine, because the risks are definitely worth the child’s life.

Interaction with other drugs

Depending on the type of drug, different phenomena may be observed: either an increase in the effect of Dexamethasone or a weakening of it, therefore it is extremely important to carefully study the instructions before use. It indicates quite a lot of consequences of interaction with other drugs: from the development of glaucoma and cataracts to the occurrence of acne.

When taking Dexamethasone, potassium deficiency often occurs in the body, which weakens the effect of certain drugs (for example, acetylsalicylic acid and cardiac glycosides)

It is not compatible with other drugs if they are injected into the blood at the same time, since insoluble compounds may form when mixed. For injections, only adding a 5% glucose solution is possible.

Instructions for use

The method of using the drug is indicated in the instructions for use: intramuscularly, intravenously or orally in tablet form. Only a doctor can determine the required dosage form, method of drug administration and dosage. This takes into account the characteristics of the course of pregnancy, the presence of concomitant chronic diseases and other factors.

Contraindications to the use of the hormone include:

• osteoporosis;
• severe immunodeficiency conditions: HIV, AIDS, etc.;
• pathologies of the heart, liver and kidneys in the stage of subcompensation and decompensation;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• mental illness;
• some helminthiases.

To avoid the development of side effects and complications, you should strictly adhere to the doctor’s prescriptions. If it is necessary to discontinue the drug, the dosage should be reduced gradually, as this may provoke the development of withdrawal syndrome.

Features of the drug use

Treatment with Dexamethasone is an emergency measure that is prescribed based on vital signs when there is a real risk to the life of the mother and her unborn child. In other cases, treatment with this drug is resorted to only if alternative, more gentle means are not able to help. Then, usually, the doctor prescribes tablets with a higher dosage at the beginning of treatment and then reducing it. Tests are also regularly performed to monitor the patient’s hormonal levels. It is important that it is strictly forbidden to suddenly stop taking the drug; this can provoke a “withdrawal syndrome”, which can be accompanied by vaginal bleeding, and will only cause even greater harm to the health of the fetus.

According to the experience of mothers who underwent treatment with Dexamethasone during pregnancy, to alleviate side effects, you should pay attention to your diet, for example, by balancing your diet: enriching your food with vitamins and proteins, while at the same time reducing the content of carbohydrates, fats and salt. Your doctor may also prescribe a diet enriched with foods high in potassium. Usually, taking Dexamethasone causes a deficiency of this element in the body, and therefore pregnant women feel weak in their muscles and complain of fatigue during the day.

The benefits and harms of the drug for the pregnant woman and the fetus

Dexamethasone during pregnancy is prescribed only in cases where the benefits of its use will be greater than the possible risks. The drug effectively copes with its tasks: restores the balance of hormones in case of hyperandrogenism, suppresses the production of antibodies in allergic diseases, accelerates the maturation of the lungs in the fetus with the likelihood of premature birth. In other words, it allows a woman to carry a child to term and reduces the risk of death in a premature pregnancy.

The harm from taking Dexamethasone for a pregnant woman is its side effects. The drug can cause nausea, bloating, low blood pressure, and weakening of the heart muscle.

In some conditions, a decrease in immunity and a slowdown in regenerative processes are undesirable. Intraocular and intracranial pressure may increase, causing headaches, poor coordination, and psychopathic reactions. Changes in metabolism increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.

Dexamethasone is able to penetrate the placenta. Its effect on the fetus can be manifested by dysfunction of the adrenal glands. In such cases, treatment is carried out using replacement therapy after birth.

Analogs

There are quite a few similar hormonal agents that can be used if you are intolerant to Dexamethasone. They all have the same active substance, but in different concentrations.

Analogues of tablets and injections:

• Dexazone;
• Dexamethasone Vial;
• Dexamed;
• Megadexane;
• Dexamethasone-Ferrain.

Analogues of eye drops:

• Maxidex;
• Dexamethasone-LENS;
• Dexapos;
• Ozurdex;
• Dexamethasonelong.

The most popular drugs are Prednisolone and Hydrocortisone.

Comparative table of the most common analogues

Photo gallery of analogues

An analogue with the same active substance, but a more gentle effect due to less hormonal activity

Dexamethasone, an analogue of eye drops, however, its cost in appetizers is an order of magnitude higher

On average, a cheaper analogue of Dexamethasone, with fewer side effects

Any of these hormonal medications has varying degrees of effectiveness, so you can’t simply replace one with another; each of them needs the right dosage, which only a doctor can prescribe for you!

Drug analogues and hormonal drugs prescribed during pregnancy

The need to prescribe hormonal drugs is decided individually. Their use is justified only in cases where pregnancy is to be maintained.

Dexamethasone analogues for the active substance are:

• Dexamed (solution for injection, tablets);
• Decadron (injection solution, tablets);
• Dexazone (injection solution, tablets);
• Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (solution for injection);
• Maxidex (drops);
• Dexaven (solution for injection);
• Fortecortin (tablets).

In case of intolerance to the components of the composition or the presence of contraindications, Dexamethasone and its analogues can be replaced by other drugs with a similar therapeutic effect.

Hormonal drugs prescribed during pregnancy - table

Any woman expecting a child would like to completely give up medications for the entire 9 months. Some diseases can be dealt with using traditional methods, but in case of serious hormonal imbalances and malfunctions of the immune system, medication cannot be avoided. Dexamethasone during pregnancy is prescribed only when there is a risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Disputes about the safety of this drug are still ongoing. Therefore, its use should be carried out strictly as prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision. Dosage and duration are determined by the results of diagnostic examinations, which are carried out every 2-4 weeks.

Dexamethasone is a synthetic analogue of adrenal hormones. It affects the endocrine system, metabolic processes and indirectly all organs.

Once absorbed into the blood, Dexamethasone accelerates the breakdown of proteins, using the material and energy from these reactions to produce carbohydrates. An increase in glucose levels leads to increased energy release, which activates the production of adipose tissue.

There is less protein in the blood and, as a result, the activity of the immune system decreases, since there is not enough material for its cells to produce. An increase in blood sugar levels can lead to the development of steroid diabetes, and an increase in the production of adipose tissue can lead to excess weight.

Decreased immunity can be either a side effect of taking the drug or a positive result. This property is successfully used for autoimmune and allergic diseases. Dexamethasone blocks biologically active substances that provoke inflammatory reactions.

Another effect of the drug is inhibition of the process of cell division. It allows the use of Dexamethasone for cancer, when it is necessary to stop tumor growth. But in pathologies where tissue regeneration is required, it is contraindicated.

Indications for the use of Dexamethasone include: adrenal cortex insufficiency, allergies, autoimmune and oncological diseases, congenital androgenital syndrome. The drug in the form of eye drops is prescribed for ophthalmic inflammatory and allergic diseases.

Feedback about use

The reviews I found online about taking Dexamethasone are often contradictory. Many women who have undergone pregnancy complain of the occurrence of diseases and attribute this, among other things, to the regular use of Dexamethasone during its course. However, we know that during pregnancy a complete hormonal change in the body occurs, since the mother’s body is now responsible not only for itself, but also for the development of the fetus. After pregnancy, negative reactions often occur: teeth deteriorate, excess weight is gained, etc. All this is associated with changes in hormonal levels, and sometimes it is difficult to determine whether the drug is the cause of the disease. On the other hand, most reviews say that Dexamethasone really saves the lives of many children during pregnancy, primarily when prescribed due to the risk of premature birth, to open the child’s lungs.

The experience of others is always worth keeping in mind, however, you should not rely on it in your decisions. Do not forget that only a doctor can give you the best advice on this issue; only he is a truly competent person in this matter.

We present here a few such reviews.

Due to increased male hormones, my cervix began to open at 12 weeks. I started drinking 1/2 Dex, everything became normal. Drank until 30 weeks. The son was born healthy. The doctor told me to drink until the baby becomes viable in case of premature birth. There were no problems during pregnancy and childbirth. Have an easy pregnancy!

Evgeniya

https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/living/3109615

Dasha, I really understand your excitement))) I myself had the same situation: testosterone and androstenedione were increased. At the planning stage, I was prescribed Dex 1/4. On the 8th cycle, the long-awaited pregnancy occurred. I read the contraindications and was stunned. I collected opinions from all sorts of sources, suffered, and finally went to G and expressed all my concerns. To which my G (a cat I really, really trust) literally said the following: “You shouldn’t take the instructions at face value. It was written back in Soviet times and then there was simply no research on the effect on pregnancy. Trust my 30 years of experience. This medicine will help us maintain the pregnancy and give birth to a healthy and smart Baby.” And then, as in that advertisement: what about my doubts? they just disappeared! I trusted her and drank almost until my 20th week. And she gave birth to a healthy, handsome and smart boy. So I will be glad if my answer calms you down. Good health to you and a speedy birth!

Lelya

https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/conception/1857073

I drank half of it, there were a lot of male hormones. then it had to be gradually stopped, but I suddenly just stopped drinking, I think that most likely because of this my daughter was born at 36 weeks. She was born healthy and everything is fine with us))))

GRUNGE

https://38mama.ru/forum/index.php?topic=16351.25

There are also videos on the Internet that can delve you deeper into the topic of hormonal medications used during pregnancy, including the effect of Dexamethasone on the body. I will give an example of a couple of such videos below.

Ronald Hoekstra, MD, talks about Dexamethasone and its side effects.

As with any hormonal drug, Dexamethasone has 2 sides: direct assistance to the body “here and now”, which can even save the life of an unborn child, and at the same time the likelihood of getting a bunch of diseases for both the child and the mother. Of course, each organism is unique, and there are no identical cases in medical practice, so the decision is up to you, dear expectant mothers. But do not forget that you should take it only after consultation with a specialist.