Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Itraconazole
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Itraconazole: 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
Itraconazole can increase systemic dexamethasone exposure, raising the risk of corticosteroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia and adrenal suppression. Dexamethasone may also lower itraconazole concentrations and reduce antifungal efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Itraconazole 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; Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of dexamethasone, while dexamethasone induces CYP3A4 and lowers itraconazole levels.
What to do
Monitor for corticosteroid excess and consider a lower dexamethasone dose. Check itraconazole levels and clinical response to ensure antifungal efficacy.
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 Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
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 Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Itraconazole 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. Itraconazole can increase systemic dexamethasone exposure, raising the risk of corticosteroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia and adrenal suppression. Dexamethasone may also lower itraconazole concentrations and reduce antifungal efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Itraconazole?
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 for corticosteroid excess and consider a lower dexamethasone dose. Check itraconazole levels and clinical response to ensure antifungal efficacy.
What other medicines interact with Itraconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Itraconazole with, for example, Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil. The full list is on the Itraconazole page.
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