Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Moxifloxacin
Severity: Major
Dexamethasone and Moxifloxacin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Systemic corticosteroids combined with fluoroquinolones increase the likelihood of tendinopathy and tendon rupture. The risk is highest in older patients and with prolonged or high-dose steroid use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Moxifloxacin 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; Moxifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive tendon toxicity from impaired collagen synthesis and tenocyte damage.
What to do
Avoid combining where an alternative antibiotic exists, particularly in patients over 60. Tell patients to stop moxifloxacin and rest the limb if tendon pain develops.
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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References
Other interactions of Moxifloxacin
- Amiodarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Moxifloxacin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Moxifloxacin 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 Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dexamethasone and Moxifloxacin 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. Systemic corticosteroids combined with fluoroquinolones increase the likelihood of tendinopathy and tendon rupture. The risk is highest in older patients and with prolonged or high-dose steroid use.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Moxifloxacin?
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 an alternative antibiotic exists, particularly in patients over 60. Tell patients to stop moxifloxacin and rest the limb if tendon pain develops.
What other medicines interact with Moxifloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Moxifloxacin with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Moxifloxacin page.
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