Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Ulipristal
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Ulipristal: 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 may reduce ulipristal levels via CYP3A4 induction, lowering emergency contraception efficacy. Contraceptive failure is a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Ulipristal 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
Dexamethasone induces CYP3A4, increasing metabolism of ulipristal.
What to do
Consider a copper intrauterine device or levonorgestrel with dose consideration, and counsel on pregnancy testing if ulipristal is used during sustained dexamethasone therapy.
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 Ulipristal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Ulipristal 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 may reduce ulipristal levels via CYP3A4 induction, lowering emergency contraception efficacy. Contraceptive failure is a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Ulipristal?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider a copper intrauterine device or levonorgestrel with dose consideration, and counsel on pregnancy testing if ulipristal is used during sustained dexamethasone therapy.
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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