Dexamethasone is a long-acting adrenocorticotropic hormone, with a longer duration of action than prednisone, and its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antitoxic effects are stronger than those of prednisone.Because of its strong inhibitory effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, it is suitable for short-term anti-inflammatory, and should not be used for long-term, mainly as first aid medication for critical illnesses and various types of inflammation treatment.

Dexamethasone has the same side effects as other glucocorticoids:

1, drug hyperadrenocorticism: mainly manifested as centripetal obesity, full moon face, acne, hirsutism, fatigue, hypokalemia, edema, hypertension, hyperglycemia and a series of clinical syndromes.

2, elderly patients, especially post-menopausal women use prone to osteoporosis.

3. Induce or aggravate ulcer disease.

4. Induce hypertension and arteriosclerosis.

5. Induce psychosis and epilepsy.

6. Inhibit the growth and development of children.

7. Induce or aggravate infections.

Note on medication:

1. After taking the drug for a long period of time, the dosage should be gradually reduced when the drug is discontinued.

2. When applied to patients with infectious diseases, appropriate anti-infective treatment must be given.

3, hypertension, thrombosis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, mental illness, electrolyte metabolism abnormalities, myocardial infarction, visceral surgery, glaucoma and other patients generally should not be used.

4, diabetes, osteoporosis, cirrhosis, renal dysfunction, hypothyroidism patients with caution.

5, hormones can inhibit the growth and development of children, if it is necessary to use long-term, should use short-acting or intermediate-acting preparations, avoid the use of long-acting dexamethasone preparations.

6、Combination with potassium-excreting diuretics may cause hypokalemia, attention should be paid to the dosage.

What are the side effects of dexamethasone tablets? The Dexamethasone tablets mentioned in the title should refer to the hormones we usually call glucocorticoids. In our daily life, we may often encounter the use of hormones, oral hormones are mainly prednisone acetate tablets, that is, we often say "prednisone"; injectable hormones may be more commonly used dexamethasone injection, of course, there are a number of other hormone preparations, we will not list them here. Next, I will talk about the side effects of hormones, which are actually clearly stated in textbooks and drug instructions.

Suppression of the immune system can lead to infections and immune-related diseases. It also has an effect on the skeletal system, as you may recall from the necrosis of the femoral head caused by high doses of hormones during the SARS outbreak.

In addition to this, hormones may also lead to the development of osteoporosis, etc. There may also be effects on the digestive system, such as the development of peptic ulcers, etc. There may also be effects on the cardiovascular system, such as the possible promotion of high blood pressure. Prolonged use of hormones may lead to the development of skin conditions such as acne, etc. There may also be effects on the endocrine system and metabolism, which may promote the development of diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Neurological symptoms may also occur.

The above description may not be comprehensive, but it represents most of the common side effects or adverse reactions (in fact, these are two different concepts in pharmacology, which are conflated and spoken of here to make them easier to understand).

Dexamethasone is not new to many people and is known to be a hormone drug. Pharmacologically it is a potent, long-acting glucocorticoid.

Dexamethasone has anti-inflammatory, anti-immune, anti-toxin, anti-shock and central excitatory effects. It also has a wide range of side effects, so its use needs to be very careful, and rational use is the key to improving efficacy and reducing adverse effects.

Common major adverse reactions to dexamethasone

1. Medical Cushing's syndrome, such as long-term use can lead to centripetal obesity, osteoporosis, and even fractures. Hirsutism in women, occurrence of menstrual disorders or amenorrhea infertility, men lead to impotence and other conditions.

2. Prolonged use tends to induce or aggravate various infections such as bacterial, viral and fungal.

3. Long-term use of dexamethasone can induce or exacerbate gastroduodenal ulcers, and even cause gastrointestinal hemorrhage or perforation.

4. Dexamethasone can cause congestive heart failure and atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and the formation of blood clots.

5. Long-term use of dexamethasone may also lead to hyperlipidemia, especially hypertriglyceridemia.

6. May cause muscle weakness and muscle atrophy.

7. To the eye may cause hormonal glaucoma, hormonal cataract.

8. Dexamethasone may cause psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, euphoria, insomnia, and even personality changes. In severe cases, it may also induce psychosis.

9. Long-term use of Dexamethasone in children can affect growth and development.

10. Long-term topical dexamethasone may appear localized skin atrophy and thinning, capillary dilatation, which is often referred to as hormone-dependent dermatitis.

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In many clinics and hospitals, people like to use dexamethasone for things like hyperthermia, allergies, arthritis, etc., because dexamethasone does have powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-shock effects. It attenuates and prevents tissue response to inflammation, thus reducing the manifestation of inflammation. It can inhibit the accumulation of inflammatory cells, including macrophages and leukocytes, at sites of inflammation, and inhibit phagocytosis, the release of lysosomal enzymes, and the synthesis and release of inflammatory chemical intermediates. It can prevent or inhibit cell-mediated immune responses, delayed allergic reactions, reduce the number of T-lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils, decrease the ability of immunoglobulins to bind to cell-surface receptors, and inhibit the synthesis and release of interleukins, which reduces the conversion of T-lymphocytes to lymphoblastoid cells and attenuates the expansion of primary immune responses, among other things.

But how many people really think seriously about its possible side effects before using it?

Dexamethasone is a hormonal drug. Adverse reactions occur most often when pharmacologic doses are applied and are closely related to the course of treatment, dosage, type of medication, usage, and route of administration. Common adverse reactions include the following.

1. Long-term use may cause the following side effects: medical Cushing's syndrome face and posture, weight gain, swelling of the lower extremities, purple lines, bleeding tendency, poor wound healing, acne, menstrual disorders, ischemic necrosis of the humerus or femoral head, osteoporosis and bone fractures, muscle weakness, myasthenia gravis, hypokalemia syndrome, gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting), pancreatitis, peptic ulcers or perforation, children's growth inhibition, glaucoma, cataracts, benign elevated intracranial pressure syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance and aggravation of diabetes, among others. inhibition of growth in children, glaucoma, cataracts, benign elevated intracranial pressure syndrome, hypoglycemia and exacerbation of diabetes mellitus, among others.

2. Patients may experience psychiatric symptoms such as euphoria, agitation, delirium, restlessness, disorientation, or inhibition. Psychiatric symptoms are more likely to occur in people with chronic wasting disease and in those who have had mental disorders in the past.

3. Complicated infections are the main adverse effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Fungi, tuberculosis, staphylococci, Mycobacterium avium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and various herpes viruses are the main ones.

4. Glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome. Sometimes patients experience dizziness, fainting tendency, abdominal or back pain, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle or joint pains, headache, weakness and tenderness after stopping the drug, which may be considered as a glucocorticoid-dependence syndrome if hypoplasia of the adrenal cortex and rekindling of the original disease can be ruled out after careful examination.

So, consider dexamethasone as a last resort!

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　　"Dexamethasone tablets have adverse effects just like any other medication. So what are the side effects of Dexamethasone tablets?

　　Dexamethasone tablets are adrenocorticotropic hormone drugs, with anti-inflammatory, anti-endotoxin, immune suppression, anti-shock and enhance the stress response and other pharmacological effects, so it is widely used in various disciplines to treat a variety of diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflammation, asthma, dermatology and ophthalmology diseases. Dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection is an indispensable emergency drug for the rescue of dying patients. Clinicians apply dexamethasone sodium phosphate for the treatment and prevention of drug allergies caused by various kinds of Chinese and Western medicines and the treatment of fever caused by viral colds and other illnesses, so that the clinical use of dexamethasone is increasing year by year, and so far our country has become the largest market of dexamethasone in the world.

　　Glucocorticosteroids such as dexamethasone have no significant side effects when physiologic doses of replacement therapy are applied; side effects mostly occur when pharmacologic doses are applied and are closely related to the course of treatment, dose, type of medication, usage, and route of administration.

　　Higher doses of dexamethasone tablets are prone to cause diabetes, osteoporosis, peptic ulcers and Cushing-like syndrome symptoms, with strong inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Complicated infection is the main adverse reaction. Therefore, it is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to this product and adrenocorticotropic hormone analogs. It is generally contraindicated in patients with hypertension, thrombosis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, psychosis, electrolyte metabolism abnormalities, myocardial infarction, visceral surgery, glaucoma. Use in special circumstances on balance, but should be aware of the possibility of deterioration of the condition. In the case of short-term use, side effects will slowly diminish after discontinuation of the drug.

　　Precautions for taking dexamethasone tablets are listed below:

　　1. Use with caution in patients with tuberculosis, acute bacterial or viral infections. If application is necessary, appropriate anti-tuberculosis and anti-infection treatment must be given.

　　2. After taking the drug for a long time, the dosage should be gradually reduced before stopping the drug.

　　3、 Use with caution in patients with diabetes, osteoporosis, cirrhosis, renal insufficiency, hypothyroidism.

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There are previous answers more detailed and systematic elaboration of the pharmacological effects and side effects of dexamethasone, small superhero combined with obstetrics and gynecology clinic to discuss dexamethasone in obstetrics and gynecology application and side effects.

Dexamethasone is most commonly used in obstetrics and gynecology for women with preterm labor because premature infants have immature lung development and are prone to respiratory distress after birth, which affects neonatal survival.Dexamethasone promotes fetal lung development and maturation.It can significantly improve the prognosis of preterm infants.

It is usually 6mg intramuscularly, once every 12 hours, four times in total. For preterm pregnancies where preterm labor is unavoidable and there is a possibility of delivery in a short period of time, a sedative push of 10mg dexamethasone is also available so that the action is rapid.

Maternity with dexamethasone.One of the most obvious side effects is high blood sugar.Because many preterm laboring mothers are also comorbid with gestational diabetes mellitus, blood glucose is routinely monitored after admission to the hospital, and with dexamethasone, blood glucose will be much, much higher than usual, and by the time you run out of dexamethasone for a day or two, with the same diet and activity level, and the same insulin dosage, the blood glucose will be significantly lower.

Therefore, there is no need to be alarmed by any change in blood glucose during dexamethasone administration. For other non-pregnant patients who need to use dexamethasone for a long period of time, because it may affect blood glucose and lipid metabolism, is it better to test blood glucose and lipid to avoid long-term complications?

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Dexamethasone is a long-acting glucocorticoid.

Dexamethasone is primarily used to treat autoimmune disorders and allergy-induced lesions as follows.

1. Active rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue lesions, severe dermatitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

2. Bronchial asthma.

3. Ulcerative colitis.

4. Certain serious serious infections and poisonings.

5. Treatment of acute leukemia as well as malignant lymphoma.

Dexamethasone is generally not associated with side effects when used in physiologically necessary doses for replacement therapy.

However, side effects of dexamethasone are inevitable when used in long-term therapeutic doses or in high doses, and are mainly characterized by the following side effects.

1, easy to complicate or induce and aggravate bacterial, fungal, tuberculosis mycobacteria, herpes virus and other infections, and will cause these infections to spread and spread, aggravate the condition.

2. Causes elevated blood sugar and blood pressure, leading to atherosclerosis.

3, cause the femoral head or femoral head ischemic necrosis, will also lead to osteoporosis, and even cause fractures, muscle weakness and muscle atrophy.

4, cause patients with delayed or non-healing wounds, can lead to patients with spontaneous bleeding tendency.

5, cause nausea and vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms, serious patients cause or aggravate peptic ulcer, serious patients lead to peptic perforation and bleeding. It can also cause pancreatitis.

6. Leads to full moon face of medical origin, buffalo back, causes weight gain and swelling of lower limbs as well as hypokalemia.

7, causing patients to experience agitation, euphoria, delirium, agitation, disorientation or depression.

Long-term use of dexamethasone should be tapered off gradually before discontinuing the drug, not abruptly.

In the case of severe bacterial or viral infections or more severe symptoms of tuberculosis toxicity, anti-infective and anti-tuberculosis treatment must be given before dexamethasone is used, and the pros and cons must be weighed before use.

It is best not to be used by diabetes, cirrhosis, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism or athletes.

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Dexamethasone is a commonly used long-acting glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and immunosuppressive effects. It is mostly used in the treatment of connective tissue disease, active rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, severe bronchial asthma, severe dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, acute leukemia, etc. It is also used in the comprehensive treatment of certain severe infections and poisoning, malignant lymphoma.

There are no significant adverse effects in physiologic doses of replacement therapy, and the following types of adverse effects can occur when dexamethasone is applied chronically in overdose:

1. Prolonged application in large quantities can be complicated by e.g. fungal, bacterial and viral infections, especially when used in the absence of infection.

2. Gastrointestinal irritation such as nausea and vomiting are also major adverse reactions to dexamethasone. In severe cases, it can cause serious complications such as pancreatitis and perforated gastric and duodenal ulcers.

3. Neuropsychiatric symptoms such as euphoria, agitation, insomnia, delusions, restlessness and disorientation may occur. They often occur in people who have had psychiatric symptoms in the past or in patients with chronic wasting disease.

4. Prolonged heavy application can cause medical Cushing's syndrome face and posture, weight gain, swelling of the lower extremities, menstrual disorders, bottoming out of potassium, growth inhibition in children, hypoglycemia and aggravation of diabetes mellitus.

5. It can cause ischemic osteonecrosis, osteoporosis, bone fracture, muscle weakness and muscle atrophy.

6. Acute inflammation after intra-articular injections, depression caused by tissue atrophy after muscle and subcutaneous injections, as well as skin pigmentation or hypopigmentation, and tendon rupture.

7. Sometimes it can cause purple lines on the skin, poor wound healing, acne, itching of the skin in the perineal area, fever and tingling symptoms.

8. It can cause eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataract.

9. Symptoms that must cause an allergic reaction are rash, itching, facial flushing, palpitations, fever, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

10. Sometimes patients experience dizziness, fainting tendency, abdominal or back pain, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle or joint pain, headache, malaise, weakness after discontinuation of the drug, and the possibility of glucocorticoid dependence syndrome should be taken into account if adrenocortical hypoplasia and recurrence of the original disease can be excluded.

11. It can also cause intractable vomiting, Charcot's arthropathy, abnormal liver function, leukocytosis, thromboembolism and other diseases.

12. The application of large quantities to patients with chickenpox, herpes zoster, measles, and tuberculosis can aggravate the condition, and in severe cases can lead to life-threatening injuries.

13. Use in lactating and pregnant women may cause neonatal growth inhibition, placental insufficiency, decreased neonatal weight, fetal malformations, or stillbirths.

14. Children and pediatrics should be very careful when using adrenocorticotropic hormones, which can inhibit growth and development. If long-term use is necessary, short- or intermediate-acting preparations should be used, and long-acting dexamethasone preparations should be avoided. And observe the changes of intracranial pressure.

15. Older long-term application of large quantities is likely to cause the occurrence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, elderly patients, especially post-menopausal women use is likely to aggravate the condition of osteoporosis.

16. The combination of dexamethasone and hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs such as barbiturates, rifampicin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenytoin sodium, pemetrynone, and tranylcypromine may increase the dose of glucocorticoids. Combination with hepatic enzyme-inhibiting drugs such as erythromycin and ketoconazole may increase glucocorticoid blood levels, requiring a reduction in the dose of dexamethasone; glucocorticosteroids and coumarin anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) may increase or diminish anticoagulant effects; glucocorticosteroids in combination with acetazolamide, medullary-collaterals diuretics, thiazide diuretics, and sodium glycophorate can exacerbate hypokalemia; and concomitant glucocorticoid use with cardiac glycosides have increased the incidence of arrhythmia or digitalis toxicity associated with hypokalemia; the combination of glucocorticoids and salicylates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause salicylic acid toxicity and the incidence of peptic ulcer.

Here Xiao Ke emphasizes the reasonable and regular application of hormones in order to achieve the treatment of disease and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions and side effects.

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What are the side effects of dexamethasone pills?

Dexamethasone tablets are a type of glucocorticoid, made from synthetic drugs. Its anti-inflammatory effect is stronger than cortisone, while the side effects of water and sodium retention are less.

Equivalent dose: cortisone 25 mg is equivalent to dexamethasone 0.75 mg.

Main Pharmacological Actions:

Clinically, it is mainly utilized for the treatment of a range of diseases by its pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, immunosuppressive, antitoxic and anti-shock effects in supraphysiologic doses. (e.g., severe toxic infections; connective tissue diseases; allergic diseases; nephrotic syndrome; severe ophthalmic diseases; acute schistosomiasis; prevention of sequelae of tuberculous meningitis or pleurisy such as adhesions, obstruction and scarring); certain hematologic and hematopoietic disorders; etc.).

Below, the focus is on the side effects:

1. Long-term application, can appear hyperadrenocorticism, such as centripetal obesity, full moon face, thinning skin, acne, hairy, purple lines, weakness, low blood potassium, swelling, hypertension, diabetes, mental euphoria and so on. Generally, it can be recovered after stopping the drug for a few months. However, those with heart failure or renal insufficiency with low potassium should be cautious!

2. Prolonged application of large doses can cause osteoporosis and muscle atrophy; the emergence of steroidal diabetes mellitus; the induction or exacerbation of ulcer disease and bleeding and perforation; the complication or exacerbation of infections; and the induction of psychiatric symptoms (e.g., insomnia, euphoria, hallucinations, and induced psychosis and epileptic seizures). The drug should be discontinued immediately and Valium should be given; induces eye diseases such as glaucoma and can also be complicated by cataracts;

All of the above need to be dealt with promptly.

3. Adverse reactions after discontinuation of the drug:

①Medical:source adrenocortical insufficiency: therefore, when applying hormones (including dexamethasone) for >5 to 7 days, the drug should not be stopped abruptly, but should be gradually reduced.

(ii) Post-discontinuation syndrome (abrupt discontinuation of high doses for a short period of time may result in depression, fever, nausea and vomiting, fatigue; muscle, bone and joint pains, and even collapse). Therefore, it is necessary to gradually reduce the dosage to avoid it.

(iii) Rebound phenomenon: This refers to the relapse or deterioration of the original disease. Therefore, the drug should be gradually reduced.

4. In view of the above-mentioned adverse effects of dexamethasone and other hormones, it is advisable to pay attention to their application:

①Severe mental illness, epilepsy, active ulcer disease, diabetes mellitus of moderate degree or above, severe hypertension, fracture, trauma repair, hyperadrenocorticism, early pregnancy, chicken pox, measles, mycobacterial infections, and drug-resistant bacterial infections should be contraindicated for hormone use;

② Generally speaking, except for life-saving, hormones should not be the first choice, but the second choice;

(iii) For those with indications, the appropriate minimum maintenance amount should be sought and the necessary checks and observations should be intensified;

⑤ If the hormone treatment is not effective for 5 to 7 days, the reason should be searched for and appropriate treatment should be made. Of course, it takes more than 2 weeks for the effect to appear after the application of hormone in nephrotic syndrome, for reference.

These are the effects and side effects of Dexamethasone and similar drugs and precautions to be taken when applying them. Draw attention to the fact that you should not abuse these drugs and should use them under the supervision of a doctor.

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Dexamethasone belongs to the adrenocorticotropic hormone class of drugs, with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-shock and enhance the body's response and other pharmacological effects, is widely used in the clinical treatment of a variety of diseases, but also the rescue of dying patients indispensable first aid drugs. However, long-term application of dexamethasone can easily cause drug dependence, and its side effects should not be ignored.

The main side effects from long-term heavy use of dexamethasone are as follows:

1. Inducing or aggravating infections

Dexamethasone can inhibit the immune function of the body and has no antibacterial effect, long-term use will promote the growth and proliferation of bacteria and spread, especially those patients who originally have low resistance. For example, patients with tuberculosis, nephrotic syndrome, aplastic anemia, etc. should be prohibited from using dexamethasone. Because of the powerful action and widespread use of dexamethasone, patients tend to feel good about themselves after its use, thus masking the symptoms of the developing infection. Therefore, before deciding to use dexamethasone treatment for a long period of time, the body should be examined to rule out potential infections, and vigilance is also advisable during application.

2、Obesity

Dexamethasone will stimulate the body's protein, fat decomposition, so that people have a sense of hunger and eat a lot of food, over time will develop into obesity, the typical performance is "full moon face, buffalo back", this is because the hormone will lead to the body's fat redistribution, resulting in a reduction in the fat of the limbs, and the face, chest, abdomen, and back of the fat accumulation. caused by the accumulation of fat on the face, chest, abdomen and back, which we also call "centripetal obesity". The impact of this obesity on the image is too great, especially for young women who love beauty is undoubtedly a big blow. However, fortunately, this kind of obesity is reversible, after stopping the hormone can generally be restored.

3. Digestive system reaction

Dexamethasone can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid and reduce the resistance of the gastric mucosa, which in turn induces or exacerbates peptic ulcers and causes complications such as gastric bleeding or perforation. Therefore, care should be taken to use drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion or protect the gastric mucosa in conjunction.

3、Osteoporosis

Dexamethasone can, on the one hand, promote urinary calcium excretion by inhibiting intestinal and renal tubular epithelial calcium ion absorption; on the other hand, it inhibits osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation, reduces collagen synthesis, and causes osteoporosis and, in severe cases, fractures. Therefore, during the use of dexamethasone, attention should be paid to the supplementation of calcium tablets.

4. Complications of the cardiovascular system

Long-term application of dexamethasone is likely to lead to water and sodium electrolyte disorders in the body, which in turn cause edema, hypertension, atherosclerosis and other symptoms.

4, Acne

Taking dexamethasone can lead to disturbances in sugar, protein, and fat metabolism, followed by symptoms such as acne growth on the skin, purple lines, poor wound healing, and body hairiness. Usually after stopping the drug will disappear on its own. A low-salt, low-fat diet can reduce the incidence of these symptoms.

5. Neuropsychiatric abnormalities

Dexamethasone is able to stimulate nerves, and long-term use can lead to euphoria, agitation, insomnia, forgetfulness, mood swings and other mental problems, and in severe cases, epilepsy. Therefore, when using it, we should pay attention to observe the patient's mood changes, and deal with any problems in time.

6. Rebounding phenomenon

After using dexamethasone for a long period of time, if the dosage is reduced and stopped too quickly, the original symptoms may worsen, which is called "rebound phenomenon". In addition, some people may experience symptoms that were not present before, such as myalgia, myotonia, and arthralgia.

7. Eye diseases

Long-term use of dexamethasone can cause an increase in intraocular pressure, which can cause edema and lesions in certain structures within the eye, resulting in eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.

8. Elevated blood sugar

Dexamethasone promotes glycogen isomerization, counteracts the hypoglycemic effect of insulin, and inhibits the utilization of glucose by tissues, especially muscle and liver tissues, thereby causing an increase in blood glucose.

Dexamethasone is a double-edged sword, which is powerful and widely used. However, with long-term use, various side effects may occur. Therefore, in the process of use should pay attention to the strengths and avoid the weaknesses, not only to give full play to its therapeutic effect, but also to minimize the adverse effects.

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