Drug interactions
Cholestyramine + Dexamethasone
Severity: Moderate
Cholestyramine 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
Cholestyramine has been shown to reduce the absorption of oral dexamethasone. This may weaken its anti-inflammatory or suppressive effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholestyramine 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.
Cholestyramine belongs to Cardiovascular; Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Resin binds dexamethasone in the gut lumen, decreasing absorption.
What to do
Give dexamethasone at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor clinical 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 Cholestyramine
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholestyramine with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholestyramine 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. Cholestyramine has been shown to reduce the absorption of oral dexamethasone. This may weaken its anti-inflammatory or suppressive effect.
How serious is the interaction between Cholestyramine 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: Give dexamethasone at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after cholestyramine. Monitor clinical response.
What other medicines interact with Cholestyramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cholestyramine with, for example, Cholic acid, Deferasirox, Leflunomide. The full list is on the Cholestyramine page.
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