Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
Severity: Minor
Dexamethasone and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel: minor 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
Dexamethasone is a weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducer and may modestly lower contraceptive hormone levels. Estrogens may also increase corticosteroid effects. Clinical significance with short courses is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine; Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Weak CYP3A4 induction by dexamethasone and reduced corticosteroid clearance with estrogens.
What to do
No change is needed for short courses; consider added barrier contraception with prolonged high-dose therapy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir Contraindicated
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Tranexamic acid Contraindicated
- Aminocaproic acid + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Amobarbital + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
- Anastrozole + Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel Major
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 Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Dexamethasone and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Dexamethasone is a weak to moderate CYP3A4 inducer and may modestly lower contraceptive hormone levels. Estrogens may also increase corticosteroid effects. Clinical significance with short courses is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No change is needed for short courses; consider added barrier contraception with prolonged high-dose therapy.
What other medicines interact with Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel with, for example, Fezolinetant, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Tranexamic acid. The full list is on the Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel page.
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