Does Dexamethasone Interact With Ketoconazole?

Drugs which inhibit CYP 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin) have the potential to result in increased plasma concentrations of corticosteroids.

Severity: Minor

Severity basis: drug interactions section. Combining Dexamethasone (Systemic corticosteroid) and Ketoconazole (Azole antifungal (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor)) is classified as a minor interaction.

What to Do

This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.

From the FDA Label

Drugs which inhibit CYP 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin) have the potential to result in increased plasma concentrations of corticosteroids.

Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 01cfaa3e-5e30-18fa-e063-6394a90a084e).

Dexamethasone

Systemic corticosteroid

Brands: Decadron, Hemady

View Dexamethasone safety profile

Ketoconazole

Azole antifungal (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor)

Brands: Nizoral

View Ketoconazole safety profile

Check these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker

This information is educational — not medical advice.

This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

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