Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Glycerol phenylbutyrate
Severity: Major
Dexamethasone and Glycerol phenylbutyrate: major 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
Corticosteroids promote protein catabolism and can raise ammonia, working against the ammonia-lowering aim of glycerol phenylbutyrate in urea cycle disorders. This can precipitate hyperammonemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Glycerol phenylbutyrate 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; Glycerol phenylbutyrate belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Glucocorticoid-induced protein breakdown increases nitrogen load and plasma ammonia, opposing the nitrogen scavenging action.
What to do
Monitor plasma ammonia closely and adjust the glycerol phenylbutyrate dose or protein intake if ammonia rises; avoid unnecessary steroid use.
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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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
Other interactions of Glycerol phenylbutyrate
- Glycerol phenylbutyrate + Sodium valproate Major
- Glycerol phenylbutyrate + Valproic acid Major
- Cyclosporin + Glycerol phenylbutyrate Moderate
- Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin + Glycerol phenylbutyrate Moderate
- Dexamethasone-tobramycin + Glycerol phenylbutyrate Moderate
- Fludrocortisone + Glycerol phenylbutyrate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Glycerol phenylbutyrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dexamethasone and Glycerol phenylbutyrate 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. Corticosteroids promote protein catabolism and can raise ammonia, working against the ammonia-lowering aim of glycerol phenylbutyrate in urea cycle disorders. This can precipitate hyperammonemia.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Glycerol phenylbutyrate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor plasma ammonia closely and adjust the glycerol phenylbutyrate dose or protein intake if ammonia rises; avoid unnecessary steroid use.
What other medicines interact with Dexamethasone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexamethasone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Mifepristone, Rilpivirine. The full list is on the Dexamethasone page.
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