Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Levonorgestrel
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Levonorgestrel: 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
Levonorgestrel is metabolized by CYP3A4 and dexamethasone can induce this enzyme. Hormone levels may fall, which could reduce contraceptive effectiveness, particularly with prolonged steroid courses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Levonorgestrel 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; Levonorgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Dexamethasone induces CYP3A4, increasing levonorgestrel metabolism.
What to do
Counsel patients on additional barrier contraception during and shortly after prolonged dexamethasone therapy. Short courses are unlikely to matter.
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 Levonorgestrel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Levonorgestrel 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. Levonorgestrel is metabolized by CYP3A4 and dexamethasone can induce this enzyme. Hormone levels may fall, which could reduce contraceptive effectiveness, particularly with prolonged steroid courses.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Levonorgestrel?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients on additional barrier contraception during and shortly after prolonged dexamethasone therapy. Short courses are unlikely to matter.
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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