Difference Between Dexamethasone and Prednisone (With Table)

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid medicine that is deployed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a variety of skin conditions, severe allergic reactions, breathing problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chest infections, neurological damage, eye pain after corrective surgery, central venous disorder, and tuberculosis when combined with antimicrobials. Dexamethasone can also be used to cure certain cancers. 

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medicine that is generally used to inhibit the immunological system and reduce irritation in disorders including respiratory problems, COPD, as well as rheumatologic disorders. Along with many other corticosteroids, it is also utilized to reduce excessive blood phosphorus caused by cancer and electrolyte imbalance. It is administered orally. Prednisone is not an often abused medication.

Comparison Table Between Dexamethasone and Prednisone

What is Dexamethasone?

Chronic inflammation, blood/hormone illnesses, allergic skin reactions, autoimmune disorders, glaucoma, respiratory distress, bowel obstructions, cancer, as well as immunologic system illnesses are all treated with dexamethasone. It is also utilized to diagnose adrenal gland disorders. 

Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid, which is a kind of medication. It lowers your immune system’s reaction to many illnesses, which helps to alleviate symptoms including inflammation and allergic responses. Use this medicine by mouth, exactly as prescribed by your physician. To avoid stomach distress, take with meals or dairy. Except as otherwise directed by your physician, take this medication in pill form with a cup of warm water. 

If you are taking this medication in a fluid state, start by measuring the dosage with a piece of suitable measuring equipment. The duration and amount of medication are determined by your medical state and reaction to the medication. Take this medicine precisely as directed. Keep a close eye on the dose regimen. To avoid adverse effects, your physician may try to gradually lower your medication from period to period. Do not discontinue this medicine without first visiting your physician. 

When this medication is abruptly discontinued, several symptoms may worsen. You may also have vomiting, disorientation, fatigue, or muscle/joint discomfort. Your physician may gradually lower your dosage to avoid these effects while you are discontinuing therapy with this medicine. For further information, speak with your doctor or physician. Note any unusual or severe complaints as soon as possible.

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone is utilized to cure a variety of ailments, including osteoarthritis, autoimmune conditions, respiratory problems, extreme infections, skin conditions, cancer, vision problems, as well as immunological abnormalities. Prednisone is a glucocorticoid, which is a type of medication. 

It reduces your body immunity to many illnesses, which helps to alleviate symptoms including inflammation and allergic responses. Dizziness, puking, decreased appetite, heartburn, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, or acne are all possible side effects. Inform your doctor or prescriber right away if any of these side effects persevere or deteriorate. This drug may occasionally cause your blood glucose to increase, which can lead to or exacerbate diabetes. 

If you have signs of hyperglycemia, like excessive thirst or urine, contact your doctor straight once. Prevent being in close proximity to individuals who are seriously ill or infected. If you have been subjected to chickenpox or mumps, contact your health care provider for preventive therapy. These disorders can be serious, if not deadly, in those who use steroids. 

An overload of prednisone is unlikely to result in life-threatening complications. Long-term usage of high steroid dosages, on the other hand, can cause indications including thinner skin, easy flushing, changes in the form or position of fat mass, increased acne or facial growth, menstruation issues, infertility, or loss of desire in sex.

Main Differences Between Dexamethasone and Prednisone

1. The brand name of dexamethasone is decadron, even though it is no longer accessible on the market and the brand name of prednisone is deltasone, and even that is no longer accessible on the market.
2. The treatment time for dexamethasone is only for a short while, whereas the treatment time for prednisone is for a short while, as well as for a long while whereas applicable.
3. Research suggests that dexamethasone is better tolerated than prednisone.
4. Dexamethasone can be used to cure some special forms of cancer, and maybe sometimes cerebellar edema as well. But, prednisone has no such properties for the cure.
5. Dexamethasone adverse effects vary from prednisone in that they include gastrointestinal discomfort, disorientation, skin disease, abnormal hair development, hormonal imbalances, excessive hunger, easy bleeding, stress, or unhappiness. Prednisone adverse effects that differentiate from dexamethasone include brittle skin and antagonism.

Conclusion

Prednisone, as well as dexamethasone, would both be corticosteroids that are used to treat a number of aggressive and/or autoimmune conditions, although they contrast in some ways, as discussed above. Dexamethasone, for instance, is more powerful and has a higher half-life than prednisone. 

As an anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone is six times more effective than prednisone and prednisolone; therefore, 6 mg of prednisone is equal to 1 mg of dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is typically classed as a long-acting glucocorticoid with a natural half-life of 36 to 72 hrs, whereas prednisolone is defined as a medium-acting glucocorticoid with a half-life of 12 to 36 hours.

References

1. https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-abstract/127/17/2101/34954
2. https://ashpublications.org/blood/article-abstract/114/9/1746/103755