Drug Interaction Report

Oxycodone and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Oxycodone and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic 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

Oxycodone

Oxaydo Oxycontin Roxicodone Roxybond Xtampza
+

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
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 62 documented Oxycodone interactions, 59 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 oxyCODONE exposure

Interaction Deep Dive

Concomitant use of oxyCODONE with a CYP3A4 inducer may reduce plasma concentrations of oxyCODONE resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to oxyCODONE. Conversely, discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer may increase oxyCODONE levels, which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions and may cause serious respiratory depression. If concomitant use with a CYP3A4 inducer is clinically required, monitor patients frequently for signs of opioid withdrawal and consider increasing the oxyCODONE dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider oxyCODONE dosage reduction and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation1234.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Induction of CYP3A4-mediated oxyCODONE metabolism

Literature reports

1 report — tap to read

a) OxyCODONE AUC and Cmax values decreased by 86% and 63%, respectively, with coadministration of rifAMPin, a CYP3A4 inducer 34.

Common questions

Can I take Oxycodone and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic together?

Reduced oxyCODONE exposure Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Oxycodone and Dexamethasone Ophthalmic 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 Oxycodone or Dexamethasone Ophthalmic 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 (4)

  1. Product Information: Oxycodone HCl oral solution, oxycodone HCl oral solution. Genus Lifesciences (per FDA), Allentown, PA, 2023. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: Oxycodone HCl oral capsules, oxycodone HCl oral capsules. Genus Lifesciences (per FDA), Allentown, PA, 2023. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: OXYCONTIN(R) oral extended-release tablets, oxycodone HCl oral extended-release tablets. Purdue Pharma LP (per FDA), Stamford, CT, 2023. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: PERCODAN(R) oral tablets, oxycodone aspirin oral tablets. Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. (per FDA), Malvern, PA, 2023.
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Oxycodone

Keep reading about Oxycodone

All Oxycodone interactions (62)
Also serious with: Ketoconazole Topical Lacosamide Injection Midazolam Nasal Spray Buprenorphine
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:

Oxycodone + 1,4-butanediol Activated Charcoal Beer Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (ghb) Kava L-tryptophan St. John's Wort Wine + 137 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.