Dexamethasone / Lidocaine / Vitamin B1 / Vitamin B12

What it is and how it works

Dexamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory action; thiamine and cyanocobalamin are coenzymes required for nerve metabolism and myelin maintenance; lidocaine is included as a local anaesthetic to reduce pain at the intramuscular injection site.

Indications

Short-term intramuscular treatment of painful inflammatory conditions of nerves and the musculoskeletal system, such as neuritis, neuralgia, radiculitis and lumbago, where an anti-inflammatory effect and B-vitamin supplementation are wanted.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Deep intramuscular injection only, typically one ampoule daily or every other day for a short course (a few injections), according to the product information and the treating physician.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component (including cobalt or amide local anaesthetics); systemic fungal or untreated infections; live vaccines during treatment; heart block or other conditions in which lidocaine is contraindicated; must not be given intravenously.

Warnings and precautions

Corticosteroid effects include hyperglycaemia, fluid retention, hypertension, infection risk and gastric irritation; use with caution in diabetes, peptic ulcer, hypertension, osteoporosis and psychiatric illness. Anaphylactic reactions may occur (thiamine). Avoid repeated or prolonged courses.

Pregnancy

Not recommended in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.

Storage and supply

Store below 25 °C, protected from light.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.