Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Irinotecan
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Irinotecan: 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
Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 are affected by CYP3A4, and dexamethasone can induce this enzyme. Exposure to irinotecan and SN-38 may be reduced, although effects with dexamethasone are less pronounced than with strong anticonvulsant inducers.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Irinotecan 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; Irinotecan belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Dexamethasone induces CYP3A4, which may increase irinotecan clearance.
What to do
Dexamethasone is routinely used as an antiemetic with irinotecan; monitor tumor response and toxicity and avoid unnecessarily prolonged high-dose use.
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 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 Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Irinotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Irinotecan 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. Irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38 are affected by CYP3A4, and dexamethasone can induce this enzyme. Exposure to irinotecan and SN-38 may be reduced, although effects with dexamethasone are less pronounced than with strong anticonvulsant inducers.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Irinotecan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Dexamethasone is routinely used as an antiemetic with irinotecan; monitor tumor response and toxicity and avoid unnecessarily prolonged high-dose 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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