Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Deflazacort
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Deflazacort: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Carbamazepine markedly reduces exposure to the active metabolite of deflazacort, which may lead to loss of efficacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Deflazacort can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Deflazacort belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, which increases clearance of deflazacort's active metabolite.
What to do
Avoid the combination per labeling and use a non-inducing antiseizure drug. If it cannot be avoided, closely monitor clinical response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Deflazacort
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Deflazacort?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine and Deflazacort can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Carbamazepine markedly reduces exposure to the active metabolite of deflazacort, which may lead to loss of efficacy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Deflazacort?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination per labeling and use a non-inducing antiseizure drug. If it cannot be avoided, closely monitor clinical response.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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