Dexamethasone vs Phenazone/lidocaine
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Dexamethasone was dispensed 4.8× as often as Phenazone/lidocaine in May 2026 — 68,949 items versus 14,454 in England.
68,949items
Dexamethasone · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
14,454items
Phenazone/lidocaine · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Dexamethasone versus Phenazone/lidocaine: national items dispensed by month
▬ Dexamethasone · ╌ Phenazone/lidocaine
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Dexamethasone | Phenazone/lidocaine |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 68,949 | 14,454 |
| Items, last 12 months | 1,038,095 | 168,166 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £627,196 | £129,438 |
See the full profile for Dexamethasone or Phenazone/lidocaine.