Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate: 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
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase dexamethasone exposure, raising the risk of corticosteroid adverse effects. The reverse effect on erythromycin is minor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of dexamethasone.
What to do
Monitor for corticosteroid excess such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and mood changes with longer courses, and consider reducing the dexamethasone dose.
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 Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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. Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase dexamethasone exposure, raising the risk of corticosteroid adverse effects. The reverse effect on erythromycin is minor.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for corticosteroid excess such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and mood changes with longer courses, and consider reducing the dexamethasone dose.
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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