Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Hydrocodone
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Hydrocodone: 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 CYP3A4 inducer and can lower hydrocodone concentrations, potentially reducing analgesia. If dexamethasone is withdrawn, hydrocodone levels could increase and cause respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Hydrocodone 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; Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by dexamethasone increases hydrocodone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor analgesic response during dexamethasone therapy. When it is stopped, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce the hydrocodone dose if needed.
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 Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone 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 Hydrocodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Hydrocodone 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 CYP3A4 inducer and can lower hydrocodone concentrations, potentially reducing analgesia. If dexamethasone is withdrawn, hydrocodone levels could increase and cause respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Hydrocodone?
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 analgesic response during dexamethasone therapy. When it is stopped, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce the hydrocodone dose if needed.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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