Drug interactions
Deflazacort + Fluconazole
Severity: Major
Deflazacort and Fluconazole: 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
Fluconazole raises the exposure to the active metabolite of deflazacort through CYP3A4 inhibition, increasing corticosteroid effects and adverse reactions. Both drugs may also lower potassium, adding to electrolyte disturbance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deflazacort and Fluconazole 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.
Deflazacort belongs to Miscellaneous; Fluconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Fluconazole inhibits CYP3A4, which metabolizes deflazacort's active metabolite.
What to do
Reduce the deflazacort dose to about one-third of the usual dose when given with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, as labeled. Monitor potassium and signs of corticosteroid excess.
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 Fluconazole
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Erythromycin + Fluconazole Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Fluconazole 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 Deflazacort with Fluconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deflazacort and Fluconazole 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. Fluconazole raises the exposure to the active metabolite of deflazacort through CYP3A4 inhibition, increasing corticosteroid effects and adverse reactions. Both drugs may also lower potassium, adding to electrolyte disturbance.
How serious is the interaction between Deflazacort and Fluconazole?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the deflazacort dose to about one-third of the usual dose when given with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, as labeled. Monitor potassium and signs of corticosteroid excess.
What other medicines interact with Fluconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluconazole with, for example, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Fluconazole page.
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