Drug Interaction Report

Dabrafenib and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Dabrafenib 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

Dabrafenib

Tafinlar
+

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 133 documented Dabrafenib interactions, 130 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
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Major

What happens

Reduced dexamethasone exposure

Interaction Deep Dive

Concurrent administration of dabrafenib, a CYP3A4 inducer, with dexamethasone (a CYP3A4 substrate) may decrease the plasma concentrations and may result in loss of efficacy of dexamethasone. Substitute for dexamethasone or monitor patients for loss of efficacy of dexamethasone if unavoidable1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of dexamethasone by dabrafenib

Common questions

Can I take Dabrafenib and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic together?

Reduced dexamethasone exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Dabrafenib 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 "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Dabrafenib 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 (1)

  1. Product Information: TAFINLAR(R) oral capsules, tablets for suspension, dabrafenib oral capsules, tablets for suspension. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2023. DailyMed
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Dabrafenib

Keep reading about Dabrafenib

All Dabrafenib interactions (133)
Also serious with: Ketoconazole Topical Oxaliplatin Injection Estradiol Amitriptyline
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:

Dabrafenib + Activated Charcoal Grapefruit St. John's Wort Acacia Rigidula Adrafinil African Wild Potato Alkanna Alpine Ragwort + 146 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.