Dexamethasone Ophthalmic and Clarithromycin: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Clarithromycin
Dexamethasone Ophthalmic
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 CYP3A substrate exposure and increased dexAMETHasone exposure
Interaction Deep Dive
Concurrent use of dexAMETHasone, a CYP3A4 substrate, with a strong CYP3A inhibitor is not recommended due to increased dexAMETHasone exposure and adverse events. Additionally, concomitant use of dexAMETHasone may lead to decreased concentrations of CYP3A4 substrates. Consider alternative medications that are not strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with dexAMETHasone cannot be avoided, closely monitor for adverse drug reactions1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Induction of CYP3A-mediated metabolism by dexAMETHasone; inhibition of CYP3A-mediated metabolism of dexAMETHasone
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) Coadministration of itraconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor: 200 mg once daily x 4 days) with a single dose of oral dexAMETHasone (4.5 mg) increased dexAMETHasone AUC by 3.7-fold 1.
Common questions
Can I take Dexamethasone Ophthalmic and Clarithromycin together?
Reduced CYP3A substrate exposure and increased dexAMETHasone exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Dexamethasone Ophthalmic and Clarithromycin 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.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Dexamethasone Ophthalmic or Clarithromycin 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)
- Product Information: HEMADY(TM) oral tablets, dexamethasone oral tablets. Dexcel Pharma Technologies (per FDA), Boulder, CO, 2019. DailyMed
Keep reading about Clarithromycin
Keep reading about Dexamethasone Ophthalmic
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:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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