Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Nilotinib
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Nilotinib: 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
Nilotinib is a CYP3A4 substrate and dexamethasone is a CYP3A4 inducer, so nilotinib exposure may decrease. Nilotinib may inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, modestly raising dexamethasone levels. Nilotinib also prolongs the QT interval, and steroid-related electrolyte disturbances could add to risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Nilotinib 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; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Dexamethasone induces CYP3A4 lowering nilotinib exposure, while nilotinib weakly inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein.
What to do
Monitor leukemia response and consider avoiding prolonged high-dose dexamethasone. Check potassium and magnesium and perform ECG monitoring as per nilotinib labeling.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Nilotinib 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. Nilotinib is a CYP3A4 substrate and dexamethasone is a CYP3A4 inducer, so nilotinib exposure may decrease. Nilotinib may inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, modestly raising dexamethasone levels. Nilotinib also prolongs the QT interval, and steroid-related electrolyte disturbances could add to risk.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Nilotinib?
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 leukemia response and consider avoiding prolonged high-dose dexamethasone. Check potassium and magnesium and perform ECG monitoring as per nilotinib labeling.
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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