Drug interactions
Dexamethasone + Verapamil
Severity: Moderate
Dexamethasone and Verapamil: 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 a CYP3A4 substrate and also a CYP3A4 inducer, so the two drugs can influence each other. Verapamil may raise dexamethasone exposure, while dexamethasone may reduce verapamil concentrations and blunt its effect. The net result is variable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dexamethasone and Verapamil 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; Verapamil belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Verapamil inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, raising dexamethasone levels, whereas dexamethasone induces CYP3A4 and lowers verapamil levels.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate for loss of verapamil effect during prolonged dexamethasone therapy. Watch for steroid adverse effects and adjust doses as needed.
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 Verapamil
- Dofetilide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Verapamil Major
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 Verapamil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dexamethasone and Verapamil 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 a CYP3A4 substrate and also a CYP3A4 inducer, so the two drugs can influence each other. Verapamil may raise dexamethasone exposure, while dexamethasone may reduce verapamil concentrations and blunt its effect. The net result is variable.
How serious is the interaction between Dexamethasone and Verapamil?
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 blood pressure and heart rate for loss of verapamil effect during prolonged dexamethasone therapy. Watch for steroid adverse effects and adjust doses as needed.
What other medicines interact with Verapamil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Verapamil with, for example, Dofetilide, Flibanserin, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Verapamil page.
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