Drug interactions
Cortisone + Dexamethasone
Severity: Minor
Cortisone 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
These are both systemic corticosteroids, so combining them duplicates therapy and adds glucocorticoid adverse effects. The suggested CYP3A4 effect on dexamethasone exposure is of little significance compared with this additive effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone 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.
Why it happens
Therapeutic duplication with additive glucocorticoid effects; minor possible CYP3A4 induction.
What to do
Avoid unnecessary concurrent use and count both agents toward total glucocorticoid dose; monitor glucose and blood pressure.
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 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 Cortisone with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cortisone 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. These are both systemic corticosteroids, so combining them duplicates therapy and adds glucocorticoid adverse effects. The suggested CYP3A4 effect on dexamethasone exposure is of little significance compared with this additive effect.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone 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: Avoid unnecessary concurrent use and count both agents toward total glucocorticoid dose; monitor glucose and blood pressure.
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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