Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Gemifloxacin
Severity: Major
Dexamethasone and Gemifloxacin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 combined with fluoroquinolones raise the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, notably of the Achilles tendon. Older patients and those on prolonged steroid courses are at greatest risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Gemifloxacin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Dexamethasone belongs to Endocrine; Gemifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive impairment of tendon collagen synthesis and repair from both drug classes.
What to do
Avoid the combination in older patients when alternatives exist. Instruct patients to stop the quinolone and rest the limb if tendon pain develops.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Gemifloxacin
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Vandetanib 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 Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dexamethasone and Gemifloxacin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Systemic corticosteroids combined with fluoroquinolones raise the risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, notably of the Achilles tendon. Older patients and those on prolonged steroid courses are at greatest risk.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination in older patients when alternatives exist. Instruct patients to stop the quinolone and rest the limb if tendon pain develops.
What other medicines interact with Gemifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gemifloxacin with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Gemifloxacin page.
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