Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Idelalisib
Severity: Major
Dexamethasone and Idelalisib: 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
Dexamethasone is a CYP3A4 inducer and may lower idelalisib exposure, reducing its antineoplastic efficacy. Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and may raise dexamethasone concentrations, increasing corticosteroid adverse effects and infection risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Idelalisib 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; Idelalisib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Bidirectional CYP3A4 interaction: dexamethasone induces CYP3A4 metabolism of idelalisib, while idelalisib inhibits CYP3A4-mediated clearance of dexamethasone.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if dexamethasone is needed, use the lowest effective dose and monitor for reduced idelalisib response and for corticosteroid toxicity such as hyperglycemia and infection.
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 Idelalisib
- Alfuzosin + Idelalisib Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Idelalisib Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Idelalisib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Idelalisib Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Idelalisib Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Idelalisib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Idelalisib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dexamethasone and Idelalisib 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 is a CYP3A4 inducer and may lower idelalisib exposure, reducing its antineoplastic efficacy. Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and may raise dexamethasone concentrations, increasing corticosteroid adverse effects and infection risk.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Idelalisib?
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 combining where possible; if dexamethasone is needed, use the lowest effective dose and monitor for reduced idelalisib response and for corticosteroid toxicity such as hyperglycemia and infection.
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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