Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Dexamethasone
Severity: Moderate
Atazanavir and Dexamethasone: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise dexamethasone exposure, increasing corticosteroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia and adrenal suppression. Dexamethasone may also lower atazanavir levels through CYP3A4 induction, risking reduced antiviral effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir and Dexamethasone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by atazanavir raises dexamethasone levels, while dexamethasone induces CYP3A4 and may lower atazanavir levels.
What to do
Use the lowest effective dexamethasone dose for the shortest time and monitor for corticosteroid toxicity and HIV viral response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Dexamethasone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dexamethasone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Varicella virus vaccine live Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Yellow fever vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Atazanavir
- Alfuzosin + Atazanavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Avanafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eplerenone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atazanavir with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atazanavir and Dexamethasone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Atazanavir inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise dexamethasone exposure, increasing corticosteroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia and adrenal suppression. Dexamethasone may also lower atazanavir levels through CYP3A4 induction, risking reduced antiviral effect.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Dexamethasone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective dexamethasone dose for the shortest time and monitor for corticosteroid toxicity and HIV viral response.
What other medicines interact with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexamethasone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Mifepristone, Rilpivirine. The full list is on the Dexamethasone page.
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