Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Somatrem
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Somatrem: 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
Supraphysiologic glucocorticoid exposure can blunt the growth-promoting effects of growth hormone. Growth hormone can also alter cortisol activation, affecting glucocorticoid replacement requirements.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Somatrem 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of growth hormone by glucocorticoids and growth hormone inhibition of 11-beta-HSD-1.
What to do
Monitor growth velocity and adjust the growth hormone dose if response is reduced. Keep dexamethasone at the lowest effective dose and review adrenal replacement needs.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dexamethasone with Somatrem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Somatrem 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. Supraphysiologic glucocorticoid exposure can blunt the growth-promoting effects of growth hormone. Growth hormone can also alter cortisol activation, affecting glucocorticoid replacement requirements.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Somatrem?
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 growth velocity and adjust the growth hormone dose if response is reduced. Keep dexamethasone at the lowest effective dose and review adrenal replacement needs.
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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