Drug interactions
Darunavir + Dexamethasone
Severity: Major
Darunavir and Dexamethasone: major 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
Boosted darunavir inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise dexamethasone exposure, increasing risk of Cushingoid effects and adrenal suppression. Dexamethasone may also induce CYP3A4 and lower darunavir levels, risking reduced antiviral efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Darunavir and Dexamethasone 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.
Darunavir belongs to Anti Virals; Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Bidirectional CYP3A4 effects: inhibition by ritonavir- or cobicistat-boosted darunavir and induction by dexamethasone.
What to do
Consider an alternative corticosteroid such as prednisolone at the lowest dose, or reduce the dexamethasone dose for prolonged use; monitor HIV viral load and corticosteroid toxicity.
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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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 Darunavir
- Alfuzosin + Darunavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Darunavir Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Flibanserin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Darunavir with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Darunavir and Dexamethasone 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. Boosted darunavir inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise dexamethasone exposure, increasing risk of Cushingoid effects and adrenal suppression. Dexamethasone may also induce CYP3A4 and lower darunavir levels, risking reduced antiviral efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Darunavir and Dexamethasone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider an alternative corticosteroid such as prednisolone at the lowest dose, or reduce the dexamethasone dose for prolonged use; monitor HIV viral load and corticosteroid toxicity.
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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