Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Erythromycin
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Erythromycin: 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 may raise dexamethasone exposure, while dexamethasone, a CYP3A4 inducer, may lower erythromycin levels. Effects are usually modest but can cause corticosteroid excess or reduced antibacterial effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Erythromycin 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.
Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of dexamethasone, while dexamethasone weakly induces CYP3A4.
What to do
Monitor for steroid adverse effects and for clinical response to the antibiotic. Adjust the dexamethasone dose if effects develop.
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 Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
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?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Erythromycin 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 may raise dexamethasone exposure, while dexamethasone, a CYP3A4 inducer, may lower erythromycin levels. Effects are usually modest but can cause corticosteroid excess or reduced antibacterial effect.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Erythromycin?
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 steroid adverse effects and for clinical response to the antibiotic. Adjust the dexamethasone dose if effects develop.
What other medicines interact with Erythromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erythromycin with, for example, Conivaptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Erythromycin page.
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