Drug Interaction Report

Hydrocodone and Dexamethasone Injection: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Hydrocodone and Dexamethasone Injection 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

Hydrocodone

Hysingla Zohydro
+

Dexamethasone Injection

Decadron Dexasone Dexium Dextenza Dexycu Hemady Maxidex Ozurdex
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 56 documented Hydrocodone interactions, 54 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 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 Hydrocodone and Dexamethasone Injection together?

Reduced HYDROcodone exposure and reduced efficacy HYDROcodone Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Hydrocodone and Dexamethasone Injection 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 Hydrocodone or Dexamethasone Injection 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)

  1. 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
  2. Product Information: HYSINGLA(R) ER oral extended-release tablets, hydrocodone bitartrate oral extended-release tablets. Purdue Pharma LP (per FDA), Stamford, CT, 2023. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: APADAZ(R) oral tablets, benzhydrocodone acetaminophen oral tablets. Zevra Therapeutics, Inc. (per FDA), Celebration, FL, 2023. DailyMed
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Hydrocodone

Keep reading about Hydrocodone

All Hydrocodone interactions (56)
Also serious with: Glycopyrronium Topical Metoclopramide Nasal Spray Palonosetron Injection Hydromorphone Injection
Dexamethasone Injection

Keep reading about Dexamethasone Injection

All Dexamethasone Injection interactions (308) Dexamethasone Injection drug information
Also serious with: Mifepristone Praziquantel Ranolazine Rilpivirine
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:

Hydrocodone + 1,4-butanediol Activated Charcoal Beer Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) Grapefruit Kava L-tryptophan St. John's Wort + 204 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.