Drug Interaction Report

Dexamethasone and Meclofenamate: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Dexamethasone and Meclofenamate 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

Dexamethasone

No brand names on record
+

Meclofenamate

Meclodium® Meclomen®
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 74 documented Dexamethasone interactions, 61 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

Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding

Interaction Deep Dive

Coadministration of NSAIDs with oral corticosteroids can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding. If concomitant use is required, monitor for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding34512.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Additive effects

Common questions

Can I take Dexamethasone and Meclofenamate together?

Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcer or bleeding Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Dexamethasone and Meclofenamate 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 or Meclofenamate 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 (5)

  1. Product Information: CELEBREX(R) oral capsules, celecoxib oral capsules. GD Searle LLC (per FDA), New York, NY, 2016. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: SEGLENTIS(R) oral tablets, celecoxib tramadol HCl oral tablets. Kowa Pharmaceuticals America Inc (per FDA), Montgomery, AL, 2023.
  3. Product Information: DAYPRO(R) oral caplets, oxaprozin oral caplets. GD Searle LLC (per FDA), New York, NY, 2016. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: ANSAID(R) oral tablets, flurbiprofen oral tablets. Pharmacia & Upjohn (per FDA), New York, NY, 2016. DailyMed
  5. Product Information: ARTHROTEC(R) oral tablets, diclofenac sodium misoprostol oral tablets. Pfizer Labs (per FDA), New York, NY, 2016. DailyMed
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Dexamethasone

Keep reading about Dexamethasone

All Dexamethasone interactions (74)
Also serious with: Desmopressin Nasal Estradiol Gatifloxacin Ophthalmic Ofloxacin Otic
Meclofenamate

Keep reading about Meclofenamate

All Meclofenamate interactions (290) Meclofenamate drug information
Also serious with: Ketorolac Injection Ketorolac Ophthalmic Ketorolac Nasal Spray Ketorolac
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:

Dexamethasone + Activated Charcoal Grapefruit Lily-of-the-valley St. John's Wort Acacia Rigidula Active Hexose Correlated Compound (ahcc) Adrafinil African Wild Potato + 213 more
Meclofenamate + Activated Charcoal Asarabacca Beer Siberian Cocklebur Wine African Wild Potato Aristolochia Banderol + 24 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.