Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Gliclazide
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Gliclazide: 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
Dexamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid that markedly raises blood glucose and can substantially reduce the effect of gliclazide, causing hyperglycemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Gliclazide 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; Gliclazide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance and increased hepatic gluconeogenesis opposing sulfonylurea action.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose frequently during dexamethasone therapy and increase antidiabetic therapy, often adding insulin, as needed. Reduce doses again after the steroid is stopped.
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 Gliclazide
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 Gliclazide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Gliclazide 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 is a potent glucocorticoid that markedly raises blood glucose and can substantially reduce the effect of gliclazide, causing hyperglycemia.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Gliclazide?
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 blood glucose frequently during dexamethasone therapy and increase antidiabetic therapy, often adding insulin, as needed. Reduce doses again after the steroid is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Gliclazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gliclazide with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Gliclazide page.
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