Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis / poliovirus inactivated vaccine
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis / poliovirus inactivated vaccine: 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
Systemic corticosteroids may blunt the antibody response to inactivated combination vaccines. Protection may be less robust, although the vaccine itself is safe in immunosuppressed patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis / poliovirus inactivated vaccine 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.
Why it happens
Glucocorticoid-mediated suppression of lymphocyte function and antibody production blunts the vaccine immune response.
What to do
Give indicated doses on schedule, preferably before immunosuppressive steroid doses start or after tapering. Consider revaccination or titre checks after prolonged high-dose therapy.
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 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 Dexamethasone with Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis / poliovirus inactivated vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis / poliovirus inactivated vaccine 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. Systemic corticosteroids may blunt the antibody response to inactivated combination vaccines. Protection may be less robust, although the vaccine itself is safe in immunosuppressed patients.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids / acellular pertussis / poliovirus inactivated vaccine?
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 indicated doses on schedule, preferably before immunosuppressive steroid doses start or after tapering. Consider revaccination or titre checks after prolonged high-dose therapy.
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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