Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Secobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Secobarbital: 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
Dexamethasone is cleared by CYP3A4, and barbiturate induction can reduce corticosteroid exposure, weakening anti-inflammatory or antiemetic effect. Dexamethasone may also modestly induce enzymes itself.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Secobarbital 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; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Secobarbital induces CYP3A4 and speeds dexamethasone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and increase the dexamethasone dose if effect is inadequate. Reassess when the barbiturate is withdrawn.
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 Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital 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 Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Secobarbital 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 is cleared by CYP3A4, and barbiturate induction can reduce corticosteroid exposure, weakening anti-inflammatory or antiemetic effect. Dexamethasone may also modestly induce enzymes itself.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Secobarbital?
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 clinical response and increase the dexamethasone dose if effect is inadequate. Reassess when the barbiturate is withdrawn.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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