Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Hydrocortisone: 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
Both are systemic corticosteroids, so combined use gives additive glucocorticoid effects and adverse effects. Dexamethasone may induce CYP3A4 and slightly lower hydrocortisone exposure, though this is minor compared with the additive effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Hydrocortisone 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; Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Duplicate glucocorticoid pharmacology with weak CYP3A4 induction by dexamethasone.
What to do
Avoid unintended duplication, and count both in total steroid dose. Monitor glucose, blood pressure and fluid status.
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 Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aldesleukin + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aspirin + Hydrocortisone 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 Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Hydrocortisone 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. Both are systemic corticosteroids, so combined use gives additive glucocorticoid effects and adverse effects. Dexamethasone may induce CYP3A4 and slightly lower hydrocortisone exposure, though this is minor compared with the additive effects.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid unintended duplication, and count both in total steroid dose. Monitor glucose, blood pressure and fluid status.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocortisone with, for example, Mifepristone, Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent, Smallpox vaccine live. The full list is on the Hydrocortisone page.
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