Drug Interaction Report

Amiodarone and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Amiodarone and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Amiodarone

Nexterone Pacerone
+

Dexamethasone Ophthalmic

Dexacidin® (as a combination product containing Dexamethasone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B) Dexair Dexasporin® (as a combination product containing Dexamethasone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B) Maxidex® Maxitrol® (as a combination product containing Dexamethasone, Neomycin, Polymyxin B) Neodecadron® (as a combination product containing Dexamethasone, Neomycin) TobraDex® (as a combination product containing Dexamethasone, Tobramycin)
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Major
Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 141 documented Amiodarone interactions, 111 are rated major — including this one.
Worried about symptoms right now? Contact your pharmacist or prescriber, or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Call 911 for an emergency.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
probable
Severity
Major

What happens

Reduced amiodarone exposure and reduced efficacy of amiodarone

Interaction Deep Dive

Amiodarone is a CYP3A substrate. Concomitant use of amiodarone with a CYP3A inducer may lead to reduced amiodarone serum levels and loss of efficacy. Consider serial measurement of amiodarone serum concentration during concomitant use of drugs affecting CYP3A activity. The potential for drug interactions persists after discontinuation of amiodarone due to its long half-life123.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Induction of CYP3A-mediated metabolism of amiodarone

Common questions

Can I take Amiodarone and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic together?

Reduced amiodarone exposure and reduced efficacy of amiodarone Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Amiodarone and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic interaction?

It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Amiodarone or Dexamethasone Ophthalmic need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?

References (3)

  1. Product Information: CORDARONE(R) oral tablets, amiodarone oral tablets. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc (per FDA), Philadephia, PA, 2018. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: Amiodarone HCl intravenous injection, amiodarone HCl intravenous injection. Wockhardt USA LLC (per DailyMed), Parsippany, NJ, 2017. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: Amiodarone HCl oral tablets, amiodarone HCl oral tablets. Cameron Pharmaceuticals LLC (per DailyMed), Louisville, KY, 2017. DailyMed
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Amiodarone

Keep reading about Amiodarone

All Amiodarone interactions (141)
Also serious with: Deuruxolitinib Colchicine Ketoconazole Topical Galantamine
Dexamethasone Ophthalmic

Keep reading about Dexamethasone Ophthalmic

All Dexamethasone Ophthalmic interactions (308) Dexamethasone Ophthalmic drug information
Also serious with: Desmopressin Ensitrelvir Mifepristone Zoliflodacin
Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

Amiodarone + Activated Charcoal American Hellebore Arsenic Beer Cesium Ephedra Grapefruit Siberian Cocklebur + 202 more

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.