Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Fenoprofen
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Fenoprofen: 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 dexamethasone with an NSAID raises the risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers and GI bleeding compared with either agent alone. Fluid retention may also be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Fenoprofen 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; Fenoprofen belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive mucosal injury through NSAID prostaglandin inhibition and corticosteroid impairment of mucosal repair.
What to do
Limit dose and duration of both drugs and add a proton pump inhibitor in patients at GI risk. Monitor for GI bleeding symptoms and anemia.
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 Fenoprofen
- Fenoprofen + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Fenoprofen + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Fenoprofen Major
- Acemetacin + Fenoprofen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Fenoprofen Major
- Alteplase + Fenoprofen 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 Fenoprofen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Fenoprofen 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 dexamethasone with an NSAID raises the risk of gastric and duodenal ulcers and GI bleeding compared with either agent alone. Fluid retention may also be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Fenoprofen?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit dose and duration of both drugs and add a proton pump inhibitor in patients at GI risk. Monitor for GI bleeding symptoms and anemia.
What other medicines interact with Fenoprofen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fenoprofen with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Fenoprofen page.
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