Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Typhoid vaccine live
Severity: Major
Dexamethasone and Typhoid vaccine live: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Live attenuated oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) contains replicating bacteria, and immunosuppressive doses of dexamethasone may impair the immune response to it and raise the risk of disseminated vaccine-strain infection. Protection from the vaccine may also be reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Typhoid vaccine live 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.
Why it happens
Glucocorticoid-induced immunosuppression reduces clearance of the attenuated organism and weakens the vaccine immune response.
What to do
Avoid live typhoid vaccine during immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy and for about 1 month after stopping. Use the inactivated Vi polysaccharide vaccine instead.
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 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 Typhoid vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dexamethasone and Typhoid vaccine live 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. Live attenuated oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a) contains replicating bacteria, and immunosuppressive doses of dexamethasone may impair the immune response to it and raise the risk of disseminated vaccine-strain infection. Protection from the vaccine may also be reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Typhoid vaccine live?
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 live typhoid vaccine during immunosuppressive corticosteroid therapy and for about 1 month after stopping. Use the inactivated Vi polysaccharide vaccine instead.
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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