E-DRUG: rationale of dexamethasone combination? (4)
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Dexamethasone, a steroid, will act as an anti-inflammatory, of course,
and improve symptoms of inflammatory diseases. Indomethacin is a
"non-steroidal" anti-inflammatory. There is a similar medicine available
over-the-counter in Mexico called Arthriadol or Artriadol that I believe
contains Prednisone, Indomethacin, and Methocarbamol, the later being a
muscle relaxant. These combinations seem to be advocated for "shot gun"
treatment of any ache or pain that is believed to of inflammatory,
musculoskeletal origin. The problem is, especially if it is available
without prescription as in Mexico, is the public may treat themselves
symptomatically for years with such a medicine and risk Diabetes
mellitus, premature osteoporosis and cataracts, hypertension, peptic
ulcer, immune suppression, as well as skin striae, body fat
redistribution, etc.
I am not sure what the vitamins would contribute.
Robert Marshall, MD
Kirkpatrick Clinic
Longview, WA
Email: marshalr@ohsu.EDU
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