Drug interactions
Cimetidine + Dexamethasone
Severity: Minor
Cimetidine and Dexamethasone: minor 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
Cimetidine may modestly reduce the clearance of dexamethasone, which is partly metabolized by CYP3A4. Corticosteroid effects and adverse effects could be slightly increased. The clinical impact is usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cimetidine and Dexamethasone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cimetidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Cimetidine weakly inhibits CYP3A4, reducing dexamethasone metabolism.
What to do
No routine change is needed; watch for steroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia or fluid retention during prolonged combined use.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Cimetidine
- Cimetidine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Cimetidine + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cimetidine Major
- Atazanavir + Cimetidine Major
- Carmustine + Cimetidine Major
- Cimetidine + Citalopram Major
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 Cimetidine with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cimetidine and Dexamethasone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Cimetidine may modestly reduce the clearance of dexamethasone, which is partly metabolized by CYP3A4. Corticosteroid effects and adverse effects could be slightly increased. The clinical impact is usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Dexamethasone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed; watch for steroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia or fluid retention during prolonged combined use.
What other medicines interact with Cimetidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cimetidine with, for example, Dofetilide, Fezolinetant, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Cimetidine page.
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