Drug Interaction Report

Dexamethasone Ophthalmic and Rilpivirine: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Dexamethasone Ophthalmic and Rilpivirine 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

Rilpivirine

Edurant Edurant® Juluca® (as a combination product containing dolutegravir, rilpivirine)
+

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
Contraindicated
These should generally not be used together.
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 308 documented Dexamethasone Ophthalmic interactions, 7 are rated contraindicated — 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
Contraindicated

What happens

Reduced rilpivirine exposure, reduced efficacy of rilpivirine and an increased risk of loss of virologic response

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of dexAMETHasone (more than a single dose) and rilpivirine is contraindicated as it may lead to decreased rilpivirine plasma concentrations, loss of virologic response, and possible resistance development12.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Induction of CYP3A-mediated metabolism of rilpivirine

Common questions

Can I take Dexamethasone Ophthalmic and Rilpivirine together?

Reduced rilpivirine exposure, reduced efficacy of rilpivirine and an increased risk of loss of virologic response Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Dexamethasone Ophthalmic and Rilpivirine interaction?

It is rated contraindicated. These should generally not be used together.

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 Ophthalmic or Rilpivirine 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 (2)

  1. Product Information: EDURANT(R) oral tablets, rilpivirine oral tablets. Janssen Therapeutics (per FDA), Horsham, Pa, 2024. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: EDURANT(R) PED oral tablets for suspension, rilpivirine oral tablets for suspension. Janssen Therapeutics (per FDA), Horsham, Pa, 2024. DailyMed
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Rilpivirine

Keep reading about Rilpivirine

All Rilpivirine interactions (73) Rilpivirine drug information
Also serious with: Ketoconazole Topical Omeprazole Dexlansoprazole Esomeprazole
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:

Rilpivirine + Activated Charcoal American Hellebore Arsenic Beer Cesium Ephedra Grapefruit Siberian Cocklebur + 167 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.