U.S. flag An official website of the United States government
  1. Home
  2. Drug Databases
  3. Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes

Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

Get Email Alerts | Guide

DECADRON (NDA-011664)

(DEXAMETHASONE)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

Download Data

Expand all

05/08/2019 (SUPPL-64)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

PRECAUTIONS

(additions underlined)

CYP 3A4 Inducers: Dexamethasone is metabolized by CYP 3A4. Drugs which induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP 3A4) enzyme activity (e.g., barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin) may enhance the metabolism of corticosteroids and require that the dosage of the corticosteroid be increased.

CYP 3A4 Inhibitors: Concomitant administration of dexamethasone with erythromycin, a moderate CYP 3A4 inhibitor, has the potential to result in increased plasma concentrations of dexamethasone. Ketoconazole, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to increased risk of corticosteroid side effects. In addition, ketoconazole alone can inhibit adrenal corticosteroid synthesis and may cause adrenal insufficiency during corticosteroid withdrawal. Co-administration with other drugs which strongly inhibit CYP 3A4 (e.g., itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, cobicistat-containing products) may lead to increased plasma concentrations of corticosteroids and potentially increase the risk for systemic corticosteroid side effects. Consider the benefit of co-administration versus the potential risk of systemic corticosteroid effects, in which case patients should be monitored for systemic corticosteroid side effects.

CYP 3A4 Substrates: Dexamethasone is a moderate inducer of CYP 3A4. Co-administration with other drugs that are metabolized by CYP 3A4 (e.g., indinavir, erythromycin) may increase their clearance, resulting in decreased plasma concentration.

 

04/23/2018 (SUPPL-65)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS

Infections General

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Use of corticosteroids may produce posterior subcapsular cataracts, glaucoma with possible damage to the optic nerves, and may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Consider referral to an ophthalmologist for patients who develop ocular symptoms or use corticosteroid-containing products for more than 6 weeks

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions are underlined)

Ophthalmic: Exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, vision blurred.

07/29/2016 (SUPPL-63)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

  • Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: addition of tumor lysis syndrome.