Dexamethasone Injection and Benzhydrocodone: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Benzhydrocodone
No brand names on recordDexamethasone Injection
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.
What happens
Reduced HYDROcodone exposure and reduced efficacy HYDROcodone
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of HYDROcodone with CYP3A4 inducers may result in reduced HYDROcodone exposure, resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to HYDROcodone. If concomitant use is needed, closely monitor patients for decreased efficacy or signs of opioid withdrawal syndrome, and consider increasing the dose of HYDROcodone as necessary. If a CYP3A4 inducer is being discontinued, HYDROcodone plasma levels may increase and prolong the opioid adverse effects, consider HYDROcodone dose reduction and closely monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression or sedation123.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of HYDROcodone
Common questions
Can I take Dexamethasone Injection and Benzhydrocodone together?
Reduced HYDROcodone exposure and reduced efficacy HYDROcodone Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Dexamethasone Injection and Benzhydrocodone 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 Dexamethasone Injection or Benzhydrocodone 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)
- Product Information: VANTRELA(TM) ER oral extended-release tablets, hydrocodone bitartrate oral extended-release tablets. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc (per manufacturer), North Wales, PA, 2017. DailyMed
- Product Information: HYSINGLA(R) ER oral extended-release tablets, hydrocodone bitartrate oral extended-release tablets. Purdue Pharma LP (per FDA), Stamford, CT, 2023. DailyMed
- Product Information: APADAZ(R) oral tablets, benzhydrocodone acetaminophen oral tablets. Zevra Therapeutics, Inc. (per FDA), Celebration, FL, 2023. DailyMed
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