Betamethasone and its derivatives, betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate, are synthetic glucocorticoids used as antiinflammatory or immunosuppressive agents. The drug has little mineralocorticoid activity and should be used with a mineralocorticoid to manage adrenal insufficiency. Topical derivatives of the drug, including betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone valerate, are also available and are used for treating inflammation due to corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the skin and/or scalp. Topical betamethasone preparations are considered medium (betamethasone valerate) or high-to-very high (betamethasone dipropionate) potency. Betamethasone was first approved by the FDA in 1961.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
Route-Specific Administration
Oral Administration
-Administer with meals to minimize indigestion or gastric irritation. If given once daily, administer in the morning to coincide with the body's normal cortisol secretion.
Injectable Administration
Visually inspect parenteral products for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit.
-If coadministration of a local anesthetic is desired with betamethasone sodium phosphate; betamethasone acetate injectable suspension, do not use anesthetics containing preservatives (e.g., parabens or phenol) because these agents are incompatible with betamethasone. For example, the suspension may be mixed with 1% or 2% lidocaine hydrochloride that does not contain parabens. Similar local anesthetics may also be used. Do not inject the anesthetic into the vial containing betamethasone; withdraw betamethasone into a syringe, then draw the local anesthetic into the same syringe and shake briefly.
Intravenous Administration
Direct intravenous injection:
-Use only betamethasone sodium phosphate. NOTE: This formulation is no longer marketed in the U.S.
-Administer slowly into a vein over at least 1 minute.
Intermittent intravenous infusion:
-Use only betamethasone sodium phosphate. NOTE: This formulation is no longer marketed in the U.S.
-Dilute in 5% Dextrose injection, 0.9% Sodium Chloride injection, 5% Dextrose and Ringer's injection, 5% Dextrose and Lactated Ringer's injection, or Ringer's injection. Infuse slowly at a rate prescribed by the physician.
Intramuscular Administration
-Betamethasone sodium phosphate; betamethasone acetate injectable suspension may be administered intramuscularly.
Other Injectable Administration
Intra-articular, Intra-bursal, Intradermal, or Intralesional injection
-Administration of betamethasone via these routes require specialized techniques. Only clinicians familiar with these methods of administration and with management of potential complications should administer betamethasone by these routes.
-For acute subdeltoid, subacromial, olecranon, and prepatellar bursitis, inject into the affected tendon sheaths rather than into the tendons themselves. In ganglions of joint capsules and tendon sheaths, injection of 0.5 ml directly into the ganglion cysts has produced marked reduction in the size of the lesions.
-For intra-articular injection, insert a 20- to 24-gauge needle on an empty syringe into the synovial cavity and withdraw a few drops of synovial fluid to confirm that the needle is in the joint. Replace the aspirating syringe with a syringe containing betamethasone suspension, and inject into the joint.
-For intralesional treatment, inject betamethasone suspension intradermally (not subcutaneously) using a tuberculin syringe with a 25-gauge, half-inch needle. Care should be taken to deposit a uniform depot of medication intradermally.
-A tuberculin syringe with a 25-gauge, three-fourth-inch needle is suitable for most injections into the foot.
Topical Administration
-Betamethasone dipropionate and valerate are used topically.
-Betamethasone valerate may be used with occlusive dressings for the management of psoriasis or recalcitrant conditions. Betamethasone dipropionate in augmented vehicles should NOT be used with occlusive dressings; instruct patients using these formulations not to bandage, cover, or wrap area in any way that may be occlusive.
Cream/Ointment/Lotion Formulations
-Using gloves, apply sparingly in a thin film and rub gently into the cleansed, slightly moist affected area.
Other Topical Formulations
Gel:
-Using gloves, apply sparingly in a thin film and rub gently into the cleansed, slightly moist affected area.
Scalp foam:
-Invert can and dispense a small amount of foam onto a saucer or other cool surface. Do not dispense directly onto hands because foam will begin to melt immediately upon contact with warm skin. Pick up small amounts of foam with fingers and gently massage into affected area until foam disappears. Repeat until entire affected scalp area is treated.
Topical Spray:
-Avoid use on the face, scalp, axilla, groin, or other intertriginous areas.
-Shake well before use.
-Wash hands before and after treatment.
-Spray directly onto the affected skin areas; rub in gently but completely.
-Once spray is in use, any unused spray should be discarded after 28 days.
Prolonged systemic administration of physiologic replacement dosages of corticosteroid (e.g., betamethasone) therapy usually does not cause adverse effects. The severity of the adverse effects associated with prolonged administration of pharmacological dosages of corticosteroids increases with duration and frequency of therapy. Short-term administration of large doses, with appropriate taper prior to discontinuation, typically does not cause adverse effects but long-term administration can lead to adrenocortical atrophy and generalized protein depletion.
Pharmacologic doses of systemic corticosteroids administered for prolonged periods can result in physiological dependence due to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can also produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression with possible adrenocortical insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Percutaneous absorption of betamethasone is dependent on many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, duration of use, and use of an occlusive dressing. Children may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. Manifestations of adrenocortical insufficiency in children include low plasma cortisol concentrations and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. HPA axis suppression has been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids, with higher incidences of adrenal suppression reported with higher potency topical formulas, such as betamethasone dipropionate (Diprolene AF or Diprosone). The proportion of patients with adrenal suppression was progressively greater, the younger the age group. Increased intracranial pressure has also been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Increased intracranial pressure with glucocorticoids usually occurs after treatment. Clinical signs of increased intracranial pressure include bulging fontanelle, head pain/ache, and bilateral papilledema (i.e., pseudotumor cerebri). HPA axis suppression has also been reported in adults receiving topical betamethasone dipropionate (Sernivo topical spray) for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis; abnormal ACTH stimulation test results suggested adrenal suppression in 5 out of 24 patients after twice daily treatment for 15 days, but no subjects had abnormal ACTH stimulation test results after twice daily treatment for 29 days. Patients applying betamethasone to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression (using the ACTH stimulation test, A.M. plasma cortisol test, and urinary free cortisol test). To minimize risk of HPA axis suppression, discontinue therapy when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute a less potent corticosteroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon completed discontinuation of the topical corticosteroid. The severity of adrenocortical insufficiency from corticosteroids varies among individuals and is dependent on the dose, frequency, time of administration, and duration of therapy. Systemic administration of the drug on alternate days may help to alleviate this adverse effect. Discontinuation of prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy should be gradual, since HPA suppression can last for up to 12 months following cessation of therapy. Patients may continue to need supplemental corticosteroid treatment during periods of physiologic stress or infectious conditions, even after the drug has been discontinued. A withdrawal syndrome unrelated to adrenocortical insufficiency can occur following sudden discontinuance of corticosteroid therapy. This syndrome includes symptoms such as appetite loss, lethargy, nauseousness, head pain/ache, fever, joint aches, muscle aches, exfoliative dermatitis, loss of weight, and hypotension and may be due to the sudden change in corticosteroid concentration rather than to low corticosteroid levels.
Prolonged corticosteroid therapy with betamethasone may adversely affect the endocrine system, resulting in hypercorticism (Cushing's syndrome including fat abnormalities such as buffalo hump and moon face), menstrual irregularity, or decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance. In some patients, systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. Percutaneous absorption of betamethasone is dependent on many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, duration of use, and use of an occlusive dressing. Children may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios.
Because of retardation of bone growth, children receiving prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., betamethasone) may have growth inhibition. Growth inhibition has been observed in the absence of laboratory evidence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression, suggesting that growth velocity is a more sensitive indicator of systemic corticosteroid exposure in pediatric patients. Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects, especially if used in excessive dosage, over large body surface areas, or with occlusive dressings.
Glucocorticoids are responsible for protein metabolism, and prolonged betamethasone therapy can result in various musculoskeletal manifestations, including: myopathy (myalgia, muscle wasting, muscle weakness, and quadriplegia), arthralgia, tendon rupture, bone matrix atrophy (osteoporosis and osteopenia), bone fractures such as vertebral compression fractures or fractures of long bones, and avascular necrosis of femoral or humoral heads. These effects are more likely to occur in older or debilitated patients. Of note, abrupt cessation of corticosteroids can cause arthralgia and myalgia. Glucocorticoids interact with calcium metabolism at many sites, including decreasing the synthesis by osteoblasts of the principle proteins of bone matrix, malabsorption of calcium in both the nephron and the gut, and reduction of sex hormone concentrations. Although all of these actions probably contribute to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, the actions on osteoblasts are the most important. Glucocorticoids do not modify vitamin D metabolism. Postmenopausal women, in particular, should be monitored for signs of osteoporosis during corticosteroid therapy. Intra-articular injections of corticosteroids can cause Charcot-like arthropathy and post-injection flare.
Systemic betamethasone may result in adverse gastrointestinal (GI) effects. Adverse GI effects associated with long-term oral corticosteroid administration include nausea, vomiting, and anorexia with subsequent weight loss. Appetite stimulation with weight gain, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and/or distention, hiccups, esophageal ulceration, gastritis, and pancreatitis have also been reported with systemic therapy. Peptic ulcers with possible subsequent GI bleeding and GI perforation have been reported. Although it was once believed that corticosteroids contributed to the development of peptic ulcer disease, in a published review of 93 studies of corticosteroid use, the incidence of peptic ulcer disease was not found to be higher in steroid recipients compared to control groups. While most of these studies did not utilize endoscopy, it is unlikely that corticosteroids contribute to the development of peptic ulcer disease.
Corticosteroid therapy (systemic or topical) can mask the symptoms of infection and should be avoided during an acute viral, fungal, or bacterial infection. Neutropenia including febrile neutropenia has been reported by recipients of corticosteroids. Immunosuppression is most likely to occur in patients receiving high-dose (e.g., equivalent to 1 mg/kg or more of prednisone daily), systemic corticosteroid therapy for any period of time, particularly in conjunction with corticosteroid sparing drugs (e.g., troleandomycin) and/or concomitant immunosuppressant agents; however, patients receiving moderate dosages of systemic corticosteroids for short periods or low dosages for prolonged periods may also be at risk. Corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression may result in activation of latent viral (e.g., herpes) or bacterial (e.g., tuberculosis) infections and should not be used in patients with an active infection except when appropriate anti-infective therapy is instituted concomitantly. Patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids should be advised to avoid exposure to measles or varicella (chickenpox) and, if exposed to these diseases, to seek medical advice immediately. Monitoring systemic corticosteroid recipients for signs of an opportunistic fungal infection is recommended, as cases of oropharyngeal candidiasis have been reported. Development of Kaposi's sarcoma has also been associated with prolonged administration of corticosteroids. Discontinuation of the corticosteroid may result in clinical improvement. Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects, especially if used in excessive dosage, over large body surface areas, for prolonged periods, or with occlusive dressings. In the presence of dermatological infections, institute the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent. If a favorable response does not promptly occur, discontinue the topical corticosteroid until the infection has been adequately controlled.
The following adverse reactions (listed in decreasing order of occurrence) are reported with topical corticosteroids such as betamethasone and may occur more often when used with an occlusive dressing: skin irritation (including burning), pruritus, xerosis (dry skin), folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform rash/eruptions, skin hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy (e.g., ecchymosis, shininess, thinness, loss of skin markings), striae, and miliaria. Erythema, telangiectasia, purpura, and maculopapular rash may also occur. In patients receiving betamethasone dipropionate topical spray, the following adverse reactions were reported: pruritus (6% vs. 9.4% placebo), burning and/or stinging (4.5% vs. 10% placebo), pain (2.3% vs. 3.9% placebo), and atrophy (1.1% vs. 1.7% placebo). Less common adverse reactions (0.1% but less than 1%) included telangiectasia, dermatitis, skin discoloration, folliculitis, and skin rash. Hypersensitivity reactions involving the skin (e.g., bullous dermatitis, erythematous rash, pruritus) have been reported with postmarketing use of betamethasone topical spray. Although skin atrophy usually occurs after prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, atrophy may occur even with short-term use on intertriginous or flexor areas, or on the face. Pediatric patients may have a higher incidence of skin atrophy, particularly with the use of higher potency formulas (e.g., Diprolene AF, Diprosone) or with facial application. If skin irritation develops, discontinue topical corticosteroids and institute appropriate therapy. The anti-inflammatory activity of topical corticosteroids may also mask manifestations of infection. In the presence of dermatological infections, institute the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent. If a favorable response does not promptly occur, discontinue the corticosteroid until the infection is adequately controlled. Various adverse dermatologic effects reported during systemic corticosteroid therapy include skin atrophy, diaphoresis, acne vulgaris, striae, hirsutism, acneiform rash, alopecia, xerosis, lupus-like symptoms, perineal pain and irritation, purpura, rash (unspecified), telangiectasia, diaphoresis, facial erythema, petechiae, ecchymosis, and easy bruising. Alopecia was also reported with the topical foam. Hypersensitivity reactions to corticosteroids, which are rare, may manifest as allergic dermatitis, urticaria, anaphylactoid reactions, anaphylactic shock, and/or angioedema. Parenteral corticosteroid therapy has also produced skin hypopigmentation, skin hyperpigmentation, scarring, and other types of injection site reaction (e.g., induration, delayed pain or soreness, subcutaneous and cutaneous atrophy, and sterile abscesses). Atrophy at the injection site has also been reported. Burning or tingling in the perineal area may occur following IV injection of corticosteroids.
In general, excessive use of systemic or topical corticosteroids can lead to impaired wound healing. Betamethasone should not be applied or injected directly on or near healing wounds. Skin ulcer may develop in patients with markedly impaired circulation who use topical corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids are divided into two classes: mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. Mineralocorticoids alter electrolyte and fluid balance by facilitating sodium retention and hydrogen and potassium excretion at the level of the distal renal tubule, resulting in edema and hypertension. Mineralocorticoids can cause fluid retention; electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypernatremia, hypocalcemia); edema; and hypertension. Prolonged administration of glucocorticoids, like betamethasone, also can result in edema and hypertension. In a review of 93 studies of corticosteroid use, hypertension was found to develop 4 times as often in steroid recipients compared to control groups. Congestive heart failure can occur in susceptible patients. In a study, an increased risk of heart failure was observed for medium-dose glucocorticoid use as compared with nonuse. At the beginning of the study, patients were at least 40 years of age and had not been hospitalized for cardiovascular disease. Medium exposure was defined as less than 7.5 mg daily of prednisolone or the equivalent given orally, rectally, or parenterally.
Neurologic effects may occur during therapy with betamethasone. Adverse neurologic effects have been reported during prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy including headache, insomnia, vertigo, restlessness, ischemic peripheral neuropathy, amnesia and memory impairment, increased motor activity, impaired cognition, neuritis, paresthesias, ischemic peripheral neuropathy, malaise, seizures, and EEG changes. Of note, headache may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure. Mental status changes including depression, anxiety, euphoria, personality changes, emotional lability, delirium, dementia, hallucinations, irritability, mania, mood swings, schizophrenic reactions, withdrawn behavior, and psychosis also have been reported. Emotional lability and psychotic problems can be exacerbated by corticosteroid therapy.
Although corticosteroids are used to treat Graves' ophthalmopathy, ocular effects such as corneal perforation, exophthalmos, posterior subcapsular cataracts, retinopathy, or ocular hypertension, can result from prolonged use of betamethasone and could result in glaucoma, or ocular nerve damage including optic neuritis. Temporary or permanent visual impairment, including blurred vision and blindness, has been reported with corticosteroid administration by several routes of administration including intranasal. If injectable systemic steroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks, monitor intraocular pressure. Also, evaluate any patient who develops changes in vision during corticosteroid therapy for ocular hypertension. Betamethasone can reduce host resistance to infection. Secondary fungal and viral infections of the eye (ocular infection) can be masked or exacerbated by corticosteroid therapy. Investigate the possibility of fungal infection if patients have persistent corneal ulceration. Conjunctivitis has been noted with betamethasone topical foam administration. Ocular hypertension and cataracts leading to visual impairment have also occurred after prolonged application of corticosteroids to the skin around the eye. Case reports describe visual impairment secondary to the onset of ocular hypertension in patients using topical corticosteroids for eczema of the face. Low potency corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, dexamethasone) have been reported to be safer for short-term use around the eye area. Cataracts have also been reported with topical corticosteroids, usually with large doses or therapy longer than 6 months. The mechanism of corticosteroid-induced cataract formation is uncertain but may involve disruption of sodium-potassium pumps in the lens epithelium leading to accumulation of water in lens fibers and agglutination of lens proteins. Other ophthalmic adverse events associated with use of topical corticosteroids include glaucoma and central serous chorioretinopathy. Close monitoring is necessary for those who develop visual impairment or those with a history of increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and/or cataracts during corticosteroid therapy. Consider referral to an ophthalmologist in patients who develop ocular symptoms or who use betamethasone long term.
Systemic corticosteroids are a common cause of drug-induced hyperglycemia. In the hospital setting, there is evidence that more than 50% of the patients receiving high-dose systemic steroids develop hyperglycemia, with many more having at least 1 episode of hyperglycemia or a mean blood glucose of 140 mg/dL or greater. Long-term use produces metabolic and endocrine effects that include insulin resistance that may lead to new diagnoses of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients without a history of hyperglycemia or DM prior to corticosteroid use. Glucosuria (glycosuria) and aggravation of existing DM may also occur. Topical corticosteroids have also been reported to cause hyperglycemia and glucosuria in some patients, but these are relatively uncommon when used for limited durations. Percutaneous absorption of betamethasone is dependent on many factors including the vehicle, duration of use, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and use of an occlusive dressing. Children may be more susceptible to systemic absorption with topical use due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios.
Hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, fat embolism, sinus tachycardia, palpitations, bradycardia, syncope, vasculitis, necrotizing angiitis, thrombosis, thromboembolism, and phlebitis have been associated with systemic corticosteroid therapy and may occur during the use of betamethasone. Glucocorticoid use appears to increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, left ventricular rupture (in persons who recently experienced a myocardial infarction), angina, angioplasty, coronary revascularization, stroke, transient ischemic attack, cardiomegaly, arrhythmia exacerbation and ECG changes, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (in premature infants), congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema, cardiac arrest or cardiovascular death. As determined from observational data, the rate of cardiovascular events was 17 per 1000 person-years among 82,202 non-users of glucocorticoids. In contrast, the rate was 23.9 per 1000 person-years among 68,781 glucocorticoid users. Furthermore, the rate of cardiovascular events was 76.5 per 1000 person-years for high exposure patients. After adjustment for known covariates by multivariate analysis, high-dose glucocorticoid use was associated with a 2.56-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events as compared with nonuse. At the beginning of the study, patients were at least 40 years of age and had not been hospitalized for cardiovascular disease. High glucocorticoid exposure was defined as at least 7.5 mg daily of prednisolone or the equivalent given orally, rectally, or parenterally whereas medium exposure was defined as less than the above dosage by any of the 3 routes. Low-dose exposure was defined as inhaled, topical, or nasal usage only.
Dizziness and anemia have been reported with corticosteroid use such as betamethasone. Corticosteroids may decrease serum concentrations of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin A, which may rarely produce symptoms of vitamin A deficiency or vitamin C deficiency. Some loss of folic acid may also be caused by corticosteroid use; glossitis may be noted.
Allergic contact dermatitis with topical corticosteroids such as betamethasone is usually diagnosed by observing a failure to heal. Appropriate diagnostic patch testing may help with the diagnosis.
Tolerance may occur with the prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, such as betamethasone. Tolerance is usually described as a decreased acute vasoconstrictive response to the agent after a period of days to weeks. This may explain the dramatic responses noted initially by patients early in topical corticosteroid treatment and an apparent diminished response with time. Tolerance is reversible and may be attenuated by interrupted or cyclic schedules of application (e.g., betamethasone is given for 2-3 weeks, followed by a 1-week intermission).
Cases of elevated hepatic enzymes (usually reversible upon discontinuation) and hepatomegaly have been associated with corticosteroid receipt such as betamethasone.
Prolonged administration of pharmacological doses of systemic corticosteroids or topical preparations (resulting in systemic absorption) may result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) suppression and/or manifestations of Cushing's syndrome in some patients. Acute adrenal insufficiency and even death may occur following abrupt discontinuation of prolonged systemic therapy. In addition, a withdrawal syndrome unrelated to adrenocortical insufficiency may occur following sudden discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy. These effects are thought to be due to the sudden change in glucocorticoid concentration rather than to low corticosteroid levels. Withdrawal from prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy should be gradual. HPA suppression can last for up to 12 months following cessation of systemic therapy. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the topical corticosteroid. HPA-suppressed patients may need supplemental corticosteroid treatment during periods of physiologic stress, such as surgical procedures, acute blood loss, or sepsis, even after the corticosteroid has been discontinued. The naturally occurring corticosteroids (i.e., cortisone and hydrocortisone), rather than betamethasone, are the agents of choice for supplemental corticosteroid therapy during physiologic stress. Conditions that increase systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids include use over large surface areas, prolonged use, use in areas where the epidermal barrier is disrupted (i.e., skin abrasion), and the use of an occlusive dressing. Occlusive dressings should not be used with augmented formulations of topical betamethasone (e.g., Diprolene products), as these might greatly enhance absorption and the risk of systemic side effects, such as HPA axis suppression. Diapers or plastic pants may be considered occlusive dressings, therefore, topical betamethasone should not be used for the treatment of diaper dermatitis. Patients receiving large doses of betamethasone applied to a large surface area should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression and/or manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. If these effects are noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent corticosteroid.
The efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in the pediatric population are based on the well-established course of effect of corticosteroids, which is similar in children and adult populations. Chronic corticosteroid therapy (e.g., betamethasone) in children may interfere with growth and development and growth velocity may be a sensitive measure of systemic exposure. The smallest dosage producing the desired clinical response should be used. The effects are not limited to systemic therapy; neonates, infants, and children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids than adults due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio, and therefore are more susceptible to developing systemic toxicity, especially with very-high-potency products. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, growth inhibition, and increased intracranial pressure have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Some betamethasone topical products are more likely to cause systemic effects in children; the use of augmented formulations of topical betamethasone (e.g., Diprolene products) in pediatric patients <= 12 years is not recommended. In an open label study, 19 of 60 (32%) and 15 of 53 (28%) valuable pediatric patients (<= 12 years) using Diprolene AF Cream or Diprosone Ointment, respectively, demonstrated HPA axis suppression. The proportion of patients with adrenal suppression in this study was progressively greater the younger the age group. Occlusive dressings may increase systemic exposure in children and infants; parents or caregivers of pediatric patients should be advised not to use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child being treated topically in the diaper area, as these garments may constitute occlusive dressings.
Patients receiving high-dose (e.g., equivalent to 1 mg/kg or more of prednisone daily) or systemic corticosteroid therapy for any period of time, particularly in conjunction with corticosteroid sparing drugs (e.g., troleandomycin) are at risk to develop immunosuppression; however, patients receiving moderate dosages of systemic corticosteroids for short periods or low dosages for prolonged periods also may be at risk. Topical corticosteroids cause localized immunosuppression as part of their pharmacologic effect; although, systemic responses are possible. When betamethasone is given in combination with other immunosuppressive agents, there is a risk of over-immunosuppression.
Systemic corticosteroid therapy can mask the symptoms of infection and should not be used in cases of viral infection, fungal infection, or bacterial infection that are not adequately controlled by antiinfective agents. Although the manufacturers state that systemic betamethasone is not recommended in patients with systemic fungal infections, most clinicians believe that systemic corticosteroids can be administered to these patients as long as appropriate antiinfective therapy is administered simultaneously. Systemic corticosteroids can reactivate tuberculosis and should not be used in patients with a history of active tuberculosis, except when chemoprophylaxis is instituted concomitantly. Patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of systemic corticosteroids should be advised to avoid exposure to viral infections (i.e., measles or varicella) because these diseases may be more serious or even fatal in immunosuppressed patients. Pediatric patients dependent on systemic corticosteroids should undergo anti-varicella-zoster virus antibody testing. In addition, corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients with known or suspected Strongyloides (threadworm) infestation; patients that are immunosuppressed secondary to corticosteroid therapy may acquire Strongyloides hyperinfection and dissemination with widespread larval migration, which may be accompanied by severe enterocolitis and potentially fatal gram-negative septicemia. Application of topical corticosteroids to areas of infection, including tuberculosis of the skin, dermatologic fungal infection, and cutaneous or systemic viral infection (e.g., herpes infection, measles, varicella), should be initiated or continued only if the appropriate antiinfective treatment is instituted. If the infection does not respond to the antimicrobial therapy, the concurrent use of the topical corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection is controlled. Topical corticosteroids should not be used to treat acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, or perioral dermatitis as they may exacerbate these conditions. Topical corticosteroids may delay the healing of non-infected wounds, such as venous stasis ulcers. Use topical betamethasone preparations with caution in patients with markedly impaired circulation or peripheral vascular disease; skin ulceration has been reported in these patients following topical corticosteroid use.
Exposure to physiologic stress, such as surgery, may produce adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness in patients receiving chronic systemic corticosteroid therapy. If surgery is required, patients should advise their physician that they received systemic betamethasone therapy within the last 12 months and state the disease for which they were being treated. Identification cards that include disease state, type and dose of corticosteroid, and physician should always be carried with the patient. In patients on corticosteroid therapy subjected to any unusual stress, hydrocortisone or cortisone is the drug of choice as a supplement during and after the event.
Systemic corticosteroid therapy has been associated with left ventricular free-wall rupture in patients with recent myocardial infarction. Betamethasone use should be employed with extreme caution in these patients.
Systemic corticosteroids can cause edema and weight gain. Patients with congestive heart failure or hypertension can have an exacerbation of their condition. Systemic betamethasone should be used with caution in these patients.
The risks and benefits of systemic corticosteroid therapy should be considered for any individual patient. Prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy can lead to osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, aseptic necrosis of femoral and humoral heads, and pathologic fractures of long bones secondary to protein catabolism. Use systemic betamethasone cautiously in elderly, debilitated, or postmenopausal patients because they are especially susceptible to these adverse effects. A high-protein diet may alleviate or prevent the adverse effects associated with protein catabolism.
Systemically absorbed corticosteroids may decrease glucose tolerance, produce hyperglycemia, and aggravate or precipitate diabetes mellitus. This may especially occur in patients predisposed to diabetes mellitus. When systemic betamethasone therapy is necessary in patients with diabetes mellitus, changes in insulin, oral antidiabetic agent dosage, and/or diet may be required. Topical corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; due to the potential for delay healing of skin ulcers or the presence of microvascular complications of the skin and surrounding tissues.
Systemic corticosteroids such as betamethasone should be used with caution in active or latent peptic ulcer disease, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses (fistula), and nonspecific ulcerative colitis, since they may increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation (GI perforation). Signs of peritoneal irritation following GI perforation in patients receiving systemic corticosteroids may be minimal or absent.
As sodium retention with resultant edema and potassium loss may occur in patients receiving corticosteroids, these agents should be used with caution in patients with renal disease or insufficiency. Systemic corticosteroids should be used with extreme caution in patients with psychosis, emotional instability, and seizure disorder because corticosteroids can exacerbate these conditions. Patients with hepatic disease, such as cirrhosis, can have an exaggerated response to systemic corticosteroids. Metabolic clearance of corticosteroids is decreased in hypothyroidism and increased in hyperthyroidism; changes in the thyroid disease status of the patient may necessitate adjustment in dosage.
An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of systemic corticosteroids, most often occurring in patients with disorders of neuromuscular transmission (e.g., myasthenia gravis), or in patients receiving concomitant therapy with neuromuscular blocking drugs. This acute myopathy is generalized, may involve ocular and respiratory muscles, and may result in quadriparesis. Elevation of creatinine kinase may occur. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping corticosteroids may require weeks to years.
Systemic corticosteroids rarely may increase blood coagulability, causing intravascular thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, and thromboembolism. Therefore, systemic betamethasone should be used with caution in patients with preexisting thromboembolic disease. Intramuscular corticosteroid preparations like betamethasone acetate-betamethasone sodium phosphate injection (i.e., Celestone Soluspan) are contraindicated for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Treatment with systemic or topical corticosteroids, including betamethasone, may increase the risk for posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma exacerbation; therefore, caution is advised when considering use of these products in patients with glaucoma, cataracts, or other visual problems. There is also an increase in the propensity for secondary ocular infection caused by fungal or viral infections. Patients receiving corticosteroids chronically should be periodically assessed for cataract formation, intraocular pressure, glaucoma, or any other visual disturbance. Consider referring patients who develop ocular symptoms or use corticosteroid-containing products for more than 6 weeks to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. Avoid ocular exposure to betamethasone during product use; topical betamethasone products are generally not recommended for use on the face, groin, or axillae. Preexisting glaucoma may be aggravated if betamethasone is applied in the periorbital area. Visual impairment, ocular hypertension and worsened cataracts have been reported with ocular exposure to other high potency topical corticosteroids. To prevent accidental ocular exposure wash hands after each application.
Systemic betamethasone use should be approached with caution during pregnancy and should be used during pregnancy only when the anticipated benefit outweighs the potential fetal risk. Complications, including cleft palate, still birth, and premature abortion, have been reported when systemic corticosteroids were administered during pregnancy. If systemic betamethasone must be used chronically during pregnancy, the potential risks should be discussed with the patient. Infants born to women receiving large doses of systemic corticosteroids during pregnancy should be monitored for signs of adrenal insufficiency, and appropriate therapy should be initiated, if necessary. Betamethasone suspension for injection has been used off-label in later stages of pregnancy to induce fetal lung maturation in patients at risk for pre-term birth, but use is typically limited to select circumstances. Topical use of betamethasone during pregnancy should also be approached with caution. Topical corticosteroids, including betamethasone, should not be used in large amounts, on large areas, or for prolonged periods of time in pregnant women. Guidelines recommend mild to moderate potency agents over potent corticosteroids, which should be used in short durations. Fetal growth restriction and a significantly increased risk of low birthweight has been reported with use of potent or very potent topical corticosteroids during the third trimester, particularly when using more than 300 grams. Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals.
Caution should be exercised when systemic corticosteroids are prescribed during breast-feeding. Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk in small quantities, and while not likely to have a deleterious effect in most infants, could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. However, reviewers and an expert panel consider oral corticosteroids acceptable to use during breast-feeding. Alternative systemic agents, such as prednisone and prednisolone, are also usually considered compatible with breast-feeding. It is not known whether topical administration of betamethasone could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. However, most dermatologists stress that topical corticosteroids can be safely used during lactation and breast-feeding. If applied topically, care should be used to ensure the infant will not come into direct contact with the area of application, such as the breast. Increased blood pressure has been reported in an infant whose mother applied a high potency topical corticosteroid ointment directly to the nipples. Consider therapy with less-potent topical agents, like hydrocortisone or triamcinolone, in nursing mothers requiring long-term therapy with a topical corticosteroid. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition. If a breast-feeding infant experiences an adverse effect related to a maternally ingested drug, healthcare providers are encouraged to report the adverse effect to the FDA.
Corticosteroid therapy (e.g., betamethasone) usually does not contraindicate vaccination with live-virus vaccines when such therapy is of short-term (< 2 weeks); low to moderate dose; long-term alternate day treatment with short-acting preparations; maintenance physiologic doses (replacement therapy); or administration topically (skin or eye), by aerosol, or by intra-articular, bursal or tendon injection. The immunosuppressive effects of steroid treatment differ, but many clinicians consider a dose equivalent to either 2 mg/kg/day or 20 mg/day of prednisone as sufficiently immunosuppressive to raise concern about the safety of immunization with live-virus vaccines. In general, patients with severe immunosuppression due to large doses of corticosteroids should not receive vaccination with live-virus vaccines. When cancer chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy is being considered (e.g., for patients with Hodgkin's disease or organ transplantation), vaccination should precede the initiation of chemotherapy or immunotherapy by >= 2 weeks. Patients vaccinated while on immunosuppressive therapy or in the 2 weeks prior to starting therapy should be considered unimmunized and should be revaccinated at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy. In patients who have received high-dose, systemic corticosteroids for >= 2 weeks, it is recommended to wait at least 3 months after discontinuation of therapy before administering a live-virus vaccine.
Some commercially available formulations of betamethasone may contain sulfites. Sulfites may cause allergic reactions in some people. They should be used with caution in patients with known sulfite hypersensitivity. Patients with asthma are more likely to experience this sensitivity reaction than non-asthmatic patients.
Do not give betamethasone acetate formulations (e.g., Celestone Soluspan) via intravenous administration. Epidural administration of corticosteroids should be used with great caution. Rare, but serious adverse reactions, including cortical blindness, stroke, spinal cord infarction, paralysis, seizures, nerve injury, brain edema, and death have been associated with epidural administration of injectable corticosteroids. These events have been reported with and without the use of fluoroscopy. Many cases were temporally associated with the corticosteroid injection; reactions occurred within minutes to 48 hours after injection. Some cases of neurologic events were confirmed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan. Many patients did not recover from the reported adverse effects. Discuss the benefits and risks of epidural corticosteroid injections with the patient before treatment. If a decision is made to proceed with corticosteroid epidural administration, counsel patients to seek emergency medical attention if they experience symptoms after injection such as vision changes, tingling in the arms or legs, dizziness, severe headache, seizures, or sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg.
Although true corticosteroid hypersensitivity is rare, betamethasone is contraindicated in patients with a prior hypersensitivity reaction to betamethasone or other corticosteroids. It is advisable that patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction to any corticosteroid undergo skin testing, which, although not a conclusive predictor, may help to determine if hypersensitivity to another corticosteroid exists. Such patients should be carefully monitored during and following the administration of any corticosteroid.
The international Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head injury (CRASH) collaborators noted an increase in early mortality (at 2 weeks) and late mortality (at 6 months) in patients with head trauma treated with high dose methylprednisolone who were determined not to have other clear indications for corticosteroid treatment. The study did not include cause of death data but did note an association between steroid treatment and higher mortality rates without determining a causal relationship. The authors suggest that corticosteroids should not be used routinely to treat patients with head trauma.
Corticosteroids can cause skin atrophy with topical application. Elderly patients may be more likely to have preexisting skin atrophy secondary to aging; therefore, purpura and skin lacerations that may raise the skin and subcutaneous tissue from deep fascia may be more likely to occur with the use of topical corticosteroids in such patients.
According to the Beers Criteria, systemic corticosteroids are considered potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for use in geriatric patients with delirium or at high risk for delirium; avoid when possible in these patient populations due to the possibility of new-onset delirium or exacerbation of the current condition. Oral and parenteral corticosteroids may be required for conditions such as exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but should be prescribed in the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible duration.
For fetal lung maturation and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome prophylaxis* in patients at risk for preterm delivery:
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults: 12 mg IM every 24 hours for 2 doses between 24 and 34 weeks gestation with risk for preterm delivery within 7 days. Use may also be considered starting at 22 weeks gestation if neonatal resuscitation is planned and after appropriate counseling. If labor is impending and a second dose is unlikely, the first dose of betamethasone should still be given because treatment with corticosteroids for less than 24 hours is still associated with a significant reduction in neonatal morbidity/mortality. However, no additional benefit has been demonstrated for courses of antenatal steroids with shorter dosage intervals than those recommended, often referred to as accelerated dosing, even when delivery is imminent. A repeat or rescue course of corticosteroids may be considered when less than 34 weeks gestation, with risk of preterm delivery within the next 7 days, and whose prior course of antenatal corticosteroids was administered more than 14 days previously. Rescue course corticosteroids could be provided as early as 7 days from the prior dose if indicated by clinical situation.
Adolescents: 12 mg IM every 24 hours for 2 doses between 24 and 34 weeks gestation with risk for preterm delivery within 7 days. Use may also be considered starting at 22 weeks gestation if neonatal resuscitation is planned and after appropriate counseling. If labor is impending and a second dose is unlikely, the first dose of betamethasone should still be given because treatment with corticosteroids for less than 24 hours is still associated with a significant reduction in neonatal morbidity/mortality. However, no additional benefit has been demonstrated for courses of antenatal steroids with shorter dosage intervals than those recommended, often referred to as accelerated dosing, even when delivery is imminent. A repeat or rescue course of corticosteroids may be considered when less than 34 weeks gestation, with risk of preterm delivery within the next 7 days, and whose prior course of antenatal corticosteroids was administered more than 14 days previously. Rescue course corticosteroids could be provided as early as 7 days from the prior dose if indicated by clinical situation.
For the treatment of nonsuppurative thyroiditis:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg/day PO, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
For the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
For palliative management of leukemia and lymphoma in adults and acute leukemias of childhood including acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), or for the treatment of multiple myeloma*:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
For maintenance therapy in selected cases of acute rheumatic carditis, systemic dermatomyositis (polymyositis), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), temporal arteritis*, Churg-Strauss syndrome*, mixed connective tissue disease*, polyarteritis nodosa*, relapsing polychondritis*, polymyalgia rheumatica*, vasculitis*, or granulomatosis with polyangiitis*:
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Children and Adolescents: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
For the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive ophthalmic disorders including allergic conjunctivitis (not controlled topically), allergic marginal corneal ulcer, anterior segment inflammation, chorioretinitis, conjunctivitis, endophthalmitis*, Graves' ophthalmopathy, herpes zoster ocular infection (herpes zoster ophthalmicus), iritis, keratitis, postoperative ocular inflammation, optic neuritis, diffuse posterior uveitis, or vernal keratoconjunctivitis:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
For the management of symptomatic sarcoidosis or for the treatment of hypercalcemia associated with cancer or sarcoidosis:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
For the treatment of respiratory inflammatory conditions including aspiration pneumonitis, berylliosis, Loeffler's syndrome:
Intramuscular dosage (Celestone Soluspan Suspension Injection):
Adults: Initially, 0.25 mg to 9 mg IM per day. Dosage requirements are variable and must be individualized. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached.
Children and Adolescents: 0.02 to 0.3 mg/kg IM per day in 3 or 4 divided doses (0.6 to 9 mg/m2/day).
For the treatment of allergic disorders including anaphylaxis or anaphylactoid reactions, angioedema, acute noninfectious laryngeal edema (or for laryngeal edema prophylaxis), drug hypersensitivity reactions, serum sickness, severe seasonal allergies or perennial allergies, including allergic rhinitis, severe urticaria, or for the treatment of urticarial transfusion reactions:
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate; betamethasone acetate suspension for injection):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours. Corticosteroids are not indicated as initial treatment for anaphylaxis, but can be given as adjunctive therapy after the administration of epinephrine.
-for the treatment of urticarial transfusion reactions:
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate; betamethasone acetate suspension for injection):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
For the treatment of adrenocortical function abnormalities:
NOTE: Hydrocortisone and cortisone are the preferred agents for these conditions.
-for the treatment of acute adrenocortical insufficiency:
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose, given every 12 hours.
Children: 17.5 mcg (base)/kg IM or 500 mcg (base)/m2 IM in 3 divided doses every third day; or approximately half the dosage once per day.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
-for the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, chronic primary (Addison's disease) or secondary adrenocortical insufficiency, or adrenogenital syndrome:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose, given every 12 hours.
Children: 17.5 mcg (base)/kg IM or 500 mcg (base)/m2 IM in 3 divided doses every third day; or approximately half the dosage once per day.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required. Maintenance dosage should be adjusted according to patient response.
For the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP):
Oral dosage:
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
For the treatment of hematologic disorders including secondary thrombocytopenia in adults, acquired (autoimmune) hemolytic anemia, erythroblastopenia (RBC anemia), and congenital hypoplastic anemia:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose, given every 12 hours.
For the treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis infection or drug-resistant tuberculosis infection as adjunctive therapy in combination with antituberculous therapy:
Intramuscular dosage:
Adults: 0.4 mg/kg/day IM with a taper over 6 to 8 weeks. Guidelines recommend as adjunct therapy for meningitis. Routine use outside of CNS involvement is not recommended; however, select patients may benefit.
Infants, Children, and Adolescents: 0.3 to 0.6 mg/kg/day IM for 4 to 6 weeks, then taper over 2 to 4 weeks. Guidelines recommend as adjunct therapy for meningitis. Routine use outside of CNS involvement is not recommended; however, select patients may benefit.
For the treatment of trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
For the treatment of a critical period of regional enteritis (Crohn's disease) or ulcerative colitis:
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination injection suspension):
Adults: Initially, 0.25 mg to 9 mg/day IM. Adjust according to patient response. Because of the potential complications of steroid use, steroids should be used selectively and in the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration as possible.
Children and Adolescents: 0.02 to 0.3 mg/kg/day or 0.6 to 9 mg/m2/day IM given in 3 to 4 divided doses is the FDA-approved general dosage range. Adjust according to patient response. Because of the potential complications of steroid use, steroids should be used selectively and in the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration as possible.
For the induction of diuresis or remission of proteinuria in the nephrotic syndrome:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
For the treatment of severe cases of myasthenia gravis not controlled by antimyasthenic agents alone:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
For adjunctive therapy in the treatment of rheumatic disorders e.g., acute gouty arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)/juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), osteoarthritis, polychondritis*, or psoriatic arthritis:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6-7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5-250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875-7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5-9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
Intra-bursal or Intra-articular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 1.5-12 mg (0.25-2 mL)/dose at the appropriate site as follows: very large joint 1-2 mL; large joint 1 mL; medium joint 0.5-1 mL; small joint 0.25-0.5 mL. For acute gouty arthritis use 0.5-1 mL/dose.
Intra-articular or Soft-tissue dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Dosage depends on the degree of inflammation and the size and location of the affected area.
For the treatment of acute episodes or exacerbation of nonrheumatic inflammation including acute and subacute bursitis, epicondylitis, and acute non-specific tenosynovitis:
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults and Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg PO per day, given as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO, given in 3 or 4 divided doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 0.5 to 9 mg IM per day. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intramuscular or Intravenous dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg IV or IM per day may be required, adjust according to patient response.
Intra-bursal or Intra-articular (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: 1.5 to 3 mg (0.25 to 0.5 mL)/dose at the appropriate site as follows: bursitis, under heloma durum or heloma molle give 0.25 to 0.5 mL/dose. For bursitis, under calcaneal spur or for bursitis over hallux rigidus or digiti quinti varus give 0.5 mL/dose. For tenosynovitis, periostitis of cuboid give 0.5 mL/dose.
Intra-articular or Soft-tissue dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg may be used. Repeat as needed. Dosage depends on the degree of inflammation and the size and location of the affected area.
For the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses such as alopecia areata, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) (aka mycosis fungoides), atopic dermatitis, bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, contact dermatitis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), granuloma annulare, keloids, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, lichen striatus, phimosis, subacute cutaneous and discoid lupus erythematosus, pretibial myxedema, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, pemphigoid, pemphigus, pityriasis rosea, pruritus, psoriasis, Rhus dermatitis (due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac), sarcoidosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, sunburn, or urticaria:
-for the general treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses:
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily.
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate lotion):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily.
Topical dosage (augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream, gel, lotion, or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Limit therapy to no more than 2 weeks. Max: 50 g or mL/week.
Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Limit therapy to no more than 2 weeks. Max: 50 g or mL/week.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily. Dosage once or twice daily is often effective.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily. Dosage once or twice daily is often effective.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate lotion):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until improvement, then once daily.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until improvement, then once daily.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate foam):
Adults: Apply a thin layer to the affected scalp area(s) 2 times daily. Discontinue use when control is achieved. If no improvement within 2 weeks, reassess the diagnosis.
Oral dosage (betamethasone):
Adults: 0.6 to 7.2 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses.
Adolescents: 0.6 to 7.2 mg/day PO as a single dose or in divided doses.
Children: 62.5 to 250 mcg/kg/day PO or 1.875 to 7.5 mg/m2/day PO divided in 3 or 4 doses.
Intramuscular dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults: 0.5 to 9 mg/day IM. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Children and Adolescents: 0.5 to 9 mg/day IM. Dose range is one-third to one-half the normal oral dose given every 12 hours.
Intradermal or Intralesional dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination):
Adults: 1.2 mg/cm2/dose (Max: 6 mg/dose) intradermally once weekly.
Children and Adolescents: 1.2 mg/cm2/dose (Max: 6 mg/dose) intradermally once weekly.
Intralesional dosage (betamethasone sodium phosphate):
Adults: Up to 9 mg may be used. Repeat as needed. Dosage depends on the degree of inflammation and the size and location of the affected area.
-for the treatment of atopic dermatitis:
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily until symptoms resolve. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily until symptoms resolve. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate lotion):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until symptoms resolve. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until symptoms resolve. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Topical dosage (augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream, gel, lotion, or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily until symptoms resolve. Limit therapy to no more than 2 weeks. Max: 50 g or mL/week. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily until symptoms resolve. Limit therapy to no more than 2 weeks. Max: 50 g or mL/week. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily until symptoms resolve. Dosage once or twice daily is often effective. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily until symptoms resolve. Dosage once or twice daily is often effective. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate lotion):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until improvement, then once daily until symptoms resolve. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until improvement, then once daily until symptoms resolve. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate foam):
Adults: Apply a thin layer to the affected scalp area(s) 2 times daily until symptoms are resolved. If no improvement within 2 weeks, reassess the diagnosis. Proactive, intermittent application of topical corticosteroids 1 to 2 times weekly to areas that commonly flare is recommended to help prevent relapses.
-for the treatment of GVHD:
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily.
Topical dosage (augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream, gel, lotion, or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily. Max: 50 g or mL/week.
Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily. Max: 50 g or mL/week.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate cream, lotion, or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily. The FDA-approved dosage is a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily for the cream or ointment and 1 to 2 times daily for the lotion.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily. The FDA-approved dosage is a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily for the cream or ointment and 1 to 2 times daily for the lotion.
-for the treatment of phimosis:
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream or ointment):
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks. The FDA-approved dosage is a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily.
Infants*: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate lotion):
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
Infants: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
Topical dosage (augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream, gel, lotion, or ointment):
Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks. The FDA-approved dosage is a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Limit therapy to no more than 2 weeks. Max: 50 g or mL/week.
Infants* and Children*: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate cream or ointment):
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks. The FDA-approved dosage is a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily. Dosage once or twice daily is often effective.
Infants*: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate lotion):
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks. The FDA-approved dosage is a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until improvement, then once daily.
Infants: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks.
-for the treatment of psoriasis:
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
Topical dosage (non-augmented betamethasone dipropionate lotion):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
Topical dosage (augmented betamethasone dipropionate cream, gel, lotion, or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Limit therapy to no more than 2 weeks. Max: 50 g or mL/week. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Calcipotriene plus betamethasone dipropionate gel is recommended for 4 to 12 weeks for the treatment of mild to moderate scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) once or twice daily. Limit therapy to no more than 2 weeks. Max: 50 g or mL/week. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
Topical dosage (betamethasone dipropionate spray):
Adults: Apply topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily. Treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate cream or ointment):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily. Dosage once or twice daily is often effective. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 1 to 3 times daily. Dosage once or twice daily is often effective. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate lotion):
Adults: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until improvement, then once daily. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 5 topical corticosteroids for up to 4 weeks for plaque psoriasis not involving intertriginous areas and class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
Children and Adolescents: Apply a thin layer topically to the affected skin area(s) 2 times daily until improvement, then once daily. Guidelines recommend topical corticosteroids as monotherapy for short-term treatment of localized psoriasis.
Topical dosage (betamethasone valerate foam):
Adults: Apply a thin layer to the psoriatic scalp area(s) 2 times daily. Discontinue use when control is achieved. If no improvement within 2 weeks, reassess the diagnosis. The duration of the therapy depends on factors such as the topical corticosteroid potency, disease severity and anatomic location, and age. After improvement, may consider transitioning to lower-potency corticosteroid, using intermittent therapy, and combining treatment with noncorticosteroidal agents. Taper by reducing use to every other day, then twice weekly, then discontinue if adequate control is maintained. Guidelines recommend class 1 to 7 topical corticosteroids for a minimum of up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis. Use of topical corticosteroids for more than 12 weeks may be considered under careful supervision.
For the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis:
Topical dosage (0.1% betamethasone valerate cream, ointment, or lotion):
Adults, Adolescents, and Children: Apply a thin film of a 0.1% cream or ointment topically to the affected area(s) 1 to 3 times a day. Application 1 to 2 times per day is often effective. Occlusive dressings may be used for the management of psoriasis, as long as infection is not present. For the 0.1% lotion, apply a few drops to the affected area(s) twice daily, in the morning and at night. Dosage may be increased in stubborn cases. Following improvement, apply lotion once daily.
Topical scalp dosage (0.12% betamethasone valerate topical foam):
Adults: Apply twice daily to the affected area(s) of the scalp, morning and night. Discontinue use when control is achieved. If no improvement within 2 weeks, reassess the diagnosis.
Topical dosage (0.05% betamethasone dipropionate cream, ointment, gel, or lotion, including products in augmented base):
Adults and Adolescents: NON-AUGMENTED products: Apply a thin film of 0.05% cream or ointment topically to the affected skin area(s) once daily. In some cases, twice daily dosage may be necessary. For the 0.05% lotion, apply a few drops to the affected skin area(s) and massage lightly until it disappears. Apply twice daily, in the morning and at night. AUGMENTED products (i.e., betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% gel, lotion, cream or ointment in augmented base) are applied once or twice daily. Limit consecutive use to a duration of 2 weeks and an amount of 50 g/week (augmented cream, gel, ointment) or 50 mL/week (augmented lotion).
Children: NON-AUGMENTED products: Apply a thin film of 0.05% cream or ointment topically to the affected skin area(s) once daily. In some cases, twice daily dosage may be necessary. For the 0.05% lotion, apply a few drops to the affected skin area(s) and massage lightly until it disappears. Apply twice daily, in the morning and at night. AUGMENTED products: Safety and efficacy of augmented products have not been established in children 12 years of age and younger.
For asthma maintenance:
Intramuscular dosage (Celestone Soluspan Injection Suspension):
Adults: Initially, 0.25 mg to 9 mg IM per day. Dosage requirements are variable and must be individualized. After a favorable response is noted, the proper maintenance dosage should be determined by decreasing the initial drug dosage in small decrements at appropriate time intervals until the lowest dosage which will maintain an adequate clinical response is reached.
Children and Adolescents: 0.02 to 0.3 mg/kg/day IM, given in 3 or 4 divided doses (0.6 to 9 mg/m2/day).
Maximum Dosage Limits:
Corticosteroid dosage must be individualized and is highly variable depending on the nature and severity of the disease, route of treatment, and on patient response.
-Adults
50 g/week (Diprolene cream, ointment, gel); 50 ml/week for no longer than 2 weeks (Diprolene lotion).
-Elderly
50 g/week (Diprolene cream, ointment, gel); 50 ml/week for no longer than 2 weeks (Diprolene lotion).
-Adolescents
50 g/week (Diprolene cream, ointment, gel); 50 ml/week for no longer than 2 weeks (Diprolene lotion).
-Children
Betamethasone dipropionate (augmented) topical products (e.g., Diprolene products) are not recommended.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
*non-FDA-approved indication
Abatacept: (Moderate) Concomitant use of immunosuppressives, as well as long-term corticosteroids, may potentially increase the risk of serious infection in abatacept treated patients. Advise patients taking abatacept to seek immediate medical advice if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of infection.
Acarbose: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine : (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetaminophen; Ibuprofen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Acetaminophen; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Acetazolamide: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may increase the risk of hypokalemia if used concurrently with acetazolamide. Hypokalemia may be especially severe with prolonged use of corticotropin, ACTH. Monitor serum potassium levels to determine the need for potassium supplementation and/or alteration in drug therapy.
Aldesleukin, IL-2: (Major) Avoid coadministration of corticosteroids with aldesleukin. Corticosteroids can be immunosuppressive. Aldesleukin is an interleukin-2 lymphocyte growth factor which induces lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and interferon gamma production. Concomitant use may reduce the efficacy of aldesleukin.
Alemtuzumab: (Moderate) Concomitant use of alemtuzumab with immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection.
Aliskiren; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Alogliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Alogliptin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Alogliptin; Pioglitazone: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazolidinedione use; a thiazolidinedione dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Amifampridine: (Moderate) Carefully consider the need for concomitant treatment with systemic corticosteroids and amifampridine, as coadministration may increase the risk of seizures. If coadministration occurs, closely monitor patients for seizure activity. Seizures have been observed in patients without a history of seizures taking amifampridine at recommended doses. Systemic corticosteroids may increase the risk of seizures in some patients.
Amiloride: (Minor) The manufacturer of spironolactone lists corticosteroids as a potential drug that interacts with spironolactone. Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. However, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone do not induce hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia is one of the indications for potassium-sparing diuretic therapy. Therefore, drugs that induce potassium loss, such as corticosteroids, could counter the hyperkalemic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Amiloride; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss. (Minor) The manufacturer of spironolactone lists corticosteroids as a potential drug that interacts with spironolactone. Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. However, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone do not induce hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia is one of the indications for potassium-sparing diuretic therapy. Therefore, drugs that induce potassium loss, such as corticosteroids, could counter the hyperkalemic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Aminolevulinic Acid: (Minor) Corticosteroids administered prior to or concomitantly with photosensitizing agents used in photodynamic therapy may decrease the efficacy of the treatment.
Aminosalicylate sodium, Aminosalicylic acid: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Amlodipine; Celecoxib: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Amlodipine; Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Amoxicillin; Clarithromycin; Omeprazole: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC): (Moderate) The potassium-wasting effects of corticosteroid therapy can be exacerbated by concomitant administration of other potassium-depleting drugs including amphotericin B. Serum potassium levels should be monitored in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Amphotericin B liposomal (LAmB): (Moderate) The potassium-wasting effects of corticosteroid therapy can be exacerbated by concomitant administration of other potassium-depleting drugs including amphotericin B. Serum potassium levels should be monitored in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Amphotericin B: (Moderate) The potassium-wasting effects of corticosteroid therapy can be exacerbated by concomitant administration of other potassium-depleting drugs including amphotericin B. Serum potassium levels should be monitored in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Anthrax Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Antithymocyte Globulin: (Moderate) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Arsenic Trioxide: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of arsenic trioxide and corticosteroids as electrolyte imbalance caused by corticosteroids may increase the risk of QT prolongation with arsenic trioxide.
Articaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi: (Moderate) Concomitant use of L-asparaginase with corticosteroids can result in additive hyperglycemia. L-Asparaginase transiently inhibits insulin production contributing to hyperglycemia seen during concurrent corticosteroid therapy. Insulin therapy may be required in some cases. Administration of L-asparaginase after rather than before corticosteroids reportedly has produced fewer hypersensitivity reactions.
Aspirin, ASA: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Butalbital; Caffeine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine; Orphenadrine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol; Codeine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Citric Acid; Sodium Bicarbonate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Dipyridamole: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Omeprazole: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Aspirin, ASA; Oxycodone: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Atazanavir: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Atazanavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Atazanavir; Cobicistat: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Atazanavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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. (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Atenolol; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Atracurium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Azathioprine: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Azilsartan; Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Vaccine, BCG: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Basiliximab: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids have immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives.
Benazepril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Benzoic Acid; Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Bexagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Bismuth Subsalicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Bismuth Subsalicylate; Metronidazole; Tetracycline: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Bisoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Bortezomib: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Brompheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Brompheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Bumetanide: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and loop diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and loop diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Bupivacaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Bupivacaine; Meloxicam: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Bupropion: (Moderate) Monitor for seizure activity during concomitant bupropion and corticosteroid use. Bupropion is associated with a dose-related seizure risk; concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as systemic corticosteroids, increases the seizure risk.
Bupropion; Naltrexone: (Moderate) Monitor for seizure activity during concomitant bupropion and corticosteroid use. Bupropion is associated with a dose-related seizure risk; concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as systemic corticosteroids, increases the seizure risk.
Butalbital; Aspirin; Caffeine; Codeine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Caffeine; Sodium Benzoate: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may cause protein breakdown, which could lead to elevated blood ammonia concentrations, especially in patients with an impaired ability to form urea. Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for hyperammonemia.
Calcium Carbonate: (Moderate) Calcium absorption is reduced when calcium carbonate is taken concomitantly with systemic corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids induce a negative calcium balance by inhibiting intestinal calcium absorption as well as by increasing renal calcium losses. The mechanism by which these drugs inhibit calcium absorption in the intestine is likely to involve a direct inhibition of absorptive cell function.
Calcium Carbonate; Famotidine; Magnesium Hydroxide: (Moderate) Calcium absorption is reduced when calcium carbonate is taken concomitantly with systemic corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids induce a negative calcium balance by inhibiting intestinal calcium absorption as well as by increasing renal calcium losses. The mechanism by which these drugs inhibit calcium absorption in the intestine is likely to involve a direct inhibition of absorptive cell function.
Calcium Carbonate; Magnesium Hydroxide: (Moderate) Calcium absorption is reduced when calcium carbonate is taken concomitantly with systemic corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids induce a negative calcium balance by inhibiting intestinal calcium absorption as well as by increasing renal calcium losses. The mechanism by which these drugs inhibit calcium absorption in the intestine is likely to involve a direct inhibition of absorptive cell function.
Calcium Carbonate; Magnesium Hydroxide; Simethicone: (Moderate) Calcium absorption is reduced when calcium carbonate is taken concomitantly with systemic corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids induce a negative calcium balance by inhibiting intestinal calcium absorption as well as by increasing renal calcium losses. The mechanism by which these drugs inhibit calcium absorption in the intestine is likely to involve a direct inhibition of absorptive cell function.
Calcium Carbonate; Simethicone: (Moderate) Calcium absorption is reduced when calcium carbonate is taken concomitantly with systemic corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids induce a negative calcium balance by inhibiting intestinal calcium absorption as well as by increasing renal calcium losses. The mechanism by which these drugs inhibit calcium absorption in the intestine is likely to involve a direct inhibition of absorptive cell function.
Calcium; Vitamin D: (Moderate) Calcium absorption is reduced when calcium carbonate is taken concomitantly with systemic corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids induce a negative calcium balance by inhibiting intestinal calcium absorption as well as by increasing renal calcium losses. The mechanism by which these drugs inhibit calcium absorption in the intestine is likely to involve a direct inhibition of absorptive cell function.
Canagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Canagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Candesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Captopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Carmustine, BCNU: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Celecoxib: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Celecoxib; Tramadol: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Chikungunya Vaccine, Live: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Chlorambucil: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Chloramphenicol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Chloramphenicol is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Chlorothiazide: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Chlorpheniramine; Dextromethorphan; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Chlorpheniramine; Ibuprofen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Chlorpheniramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Chlorthalidone: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Cholera Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving immunosuppressant medications may have a diminished response to the live cholera vaccine. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines prior to initiating immunosuppressant medications. Counsel patients receiving immunosuppressant medications about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to cholera bacteria after receiving the vaccine. High-dose corticosteroid therapy may impair immune function and is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days.
Choline Salicylate; Magnesium Salicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Ciprofloxacin: (Moderate) Quinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture requiring surgical repair or resulting in prolonged disability; this risk is further increased in those receiving concomitant corticosteroids. Discontinue quinolone therapy at the first sign of tendon inflammation or tendon pain, as these are symptoms that may precede rupture of the tendon.
Cisatracurium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Cladribine: (Minor) Concurrent use of purine analogs with other agents which cause bone marrow or immune suppression such as other antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives may result in additive effects.
Clarithromycin: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Clofarabine: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Cobicistat: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Codeine; Phenylephrine; Promethazine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Conivaptan: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Conivaptan is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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. Conivaptan has been associated with hypokalemia (9.8%). Although not studied, consider the potential for additive hypokalemic effects if conivaptan is coadministered with drugs known to induce hypokalemia, such as corticosteroids.
Conjugated Estrogens: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Conjugated Estrogens; Bazedoxifene: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Conjugated Estrogens; Medroxyprogesterone: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Dapagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Dapagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Dapagliflozin; Saxagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Darunavir: (Moderate) Consider an alternative corticosteroid that is less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly for long-term use, in patients receiving darunavir. Coadministration may significantly increase betamethasone exposure increasing the risk for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Darunavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
Darunavir; Cobicistat: (Moderate) Consider an alternative corticosteroid that is less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly for long-term use, in patients receiving darunavir. Coadministration may significantly increase betamethasone exposure increasing the risk for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Darunavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%. (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Darunavir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir alafenamide: (Moderate) Consider an alternative corticosteroid that is less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly for long-term use, in patients receiving darunavir. Coadministration may significantly increase betamethasone exposure increasing the risk for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Darunavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%. (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Delafloxacin: (Moderate) Quinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture requiring surgical repair or resulting in prolonged disability; this risk is further increased in those receiving concomitant corticosteroids. Discontinue quinolone therapy at the first sign of tendon inflammation or tendon pain, as these are symptoms that may precede rupture of the tendon.
Delavirdine: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Delavirdine is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to the dengue virus vaccine. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Denosumab: (Moderate) The safety and efficacy of denosumab use in patients with immunosuppression have not been evaluated. Patients receiving immunosuppressives along with denosumab may be at a greater risk of developing an infection.
Desmopressin: (Major) Desmopressin is contraindicated with concomitant inhaled or systemic corticosteroid use due to an increased risk of hyponatremia. Desmopressin can be started or resumed 3 days or 5 half-lives after the corticosteroid is discontinued, whichever is longer.
Desogestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Dextromethorphan; Bupropion: (Moderate) Monitor for seizure activity during concomitant bupropion and corticosteroid use. Bupropion is associated with a dose-related seizure risk; concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as systemic corticosteroids, increases the seizure risk.
Dextromethorphan; Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Dextromethorphan; Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Diclofenac: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Diclofenac; Misoprostol: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Dienogest; Estradiol valerate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Diflunisal: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Diphenhydramine; Ibuprofen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Diphenhydramine; Naproxen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Diphenhydramine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Diphtheria Toxoid, Tetanus Toxoid, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, DTaP; Haemophilus influenzae type b Conjugate Vaccine; Hepatitis B Vaccine, Recombinant; Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine, IPV: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Diphtheria Toxoid, Tetanus Toxoid, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, DTaP; Haemophilus influenzae type b Conjugate Vaccine; Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine, IPV: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Diphtheria Toxoid, Tetanus Toxoid, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, DTaP; Hepatitis B Vaccine, Recombinant; Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine, IPV : (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Diphtheria Toxoid, Tetanus Toxoid, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine, DTaP; Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine, IPV: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Diphtheria Toxoid; Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed, DT, Td: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Diphtheria/Tetanus Toxoids; Pertussis Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Dofetilide: (Major) Corticosteroids can cause increases in blood pressure, sodium and water retention, and hypokalemia, predisposing patients to interactions with certain other medications. Corticosteroid-induced hypokalemia could also enhance the proarrhythmic effects of dofetilide.
Droperidol: (Moderate) Caution is advised when using droperidol in combination with corticosteroids which may lead to electrolyte abnormalities, especially hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, as such abnormalities may increase the risk for QT prolongation or cardiac arrhythmias.
Drospirenone; Estetrol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Drospirenone; Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Drospirenone; Ethinyl Estradiol; Levomefolate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Dulaglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Echinacea: (Moderate) Echinacea possesses immunostimulatory activity and may theoretically reduce the response to immunosuppressant drugs like corticosteroids. For some patients who are using corticosteroids for serious illness, such as cancer or organ transplant, this potential interaction may result in the preferable avoidance of Echinacea. Although documentation is lacking, coadministration of echinacea with immunosuppressants is not recommended by some resources.
Econazole: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Elagolix; Estradiol; Norethindrone acetate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Elvitegravir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Alafenamide: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Elvitegravir; Cobicistat; Emtricitabine; Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Empagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Empagliflozin; Linagliptin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Empagliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Enalapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Ephedrine: (Moderate) Ephedrine may enhance the metabolic clearance of corticosteroids. Decreased blood concentrations and lessened physiologic activity may necessitate an increase in corticosteroid dosage.
Ephedrine; Guaifenesin: (Moderate) Ephedrine may enhance the metabolic clearance of corticosteroids. Decreased blood concentrations and lessened physiologic activity may necessitate an increase in corticosteroid dosage.
Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Eprosartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Ertugliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Ertugliflozin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Ertugliflozin; Sitagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Esterified Estrogens: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Esterified Estrogens; Methyltestosterone: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Estradiol; Levonorgestrel: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Estradiol; Norethindrone: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Estradiol; Norgestimate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Estradiol; Progesterone: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Estramustine: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Estrogens: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Estropipate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Ethacrynic Acid: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and loop diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and loop diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Ethinyl Estradiol; Norelgestromin: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Ethinyl Estradiol; Norethindrone Acetate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Ethinyl Estradiol; Norgestrel: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Ethynodiol Diacetate; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Etodolac: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Etonogestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Exenatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Fenoprofen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Fludarabine: (Minor) Concurrent use of purine analogs with other agents which cause bone marrow or immune suppression such as other antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives may result in additive effects.
Flurbiprofen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Fosamprenavir: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Amprenavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Fosamprenavir is a prodrug of amprenavir. Another 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.
Fosinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Furosemide: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and loop diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and loop diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Gallium Ga 68 Dotatate: (Moderate) Repeated administration of high corticosteroid doses prior to gallium Ga 68 dotatate may result in false negative imaging. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. Corticosteroids can down-regulate somatostatin subtype 2 receptors: thereby, interfering with binding of gallium Ga 68 dotatate to malignant cells that overexpress these receptors.
Gemifloxacin: (Moderate) Quinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture requiring surgical repair or resulting in prolonged disability; this risk is further increased in those receiving concomitant corticosteroids. Discontinue quinolone therapy at the first sign of tendon inflammation or tendon pain, as these are symptoms that may precede rupture of the tendon.
Glimepiride: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glipizide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glipizide; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glyburide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glyburide; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Glycerol Phenylbutyrate: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may induce elevated blood ammonia concentrations. Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients receiving glycerol phenylbutyrate. Monitor ammonia concentrations closely.
Guaifenesin; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Haemophilus influenzae type b Conjugate Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Haloperidol: (Moderate) Caution is advisable during concurrent use of haloperidol and corticosteroids as electrolyte imbalance caused by corticosteroids may increase the risk of QT prolongation with haloperidol.
Hemin: (Moderate) Hemin works by inhibiting aminolevulinic acid synthetase. Corticosteroids increase the activity of this enzyme should not be used with hemin.
Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Hepatitis A Vaccine, Inactivated; Hepatitis B Vaccine, Recombinant: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Hepatitis B Vaccine, Recombinant: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Human Papillomavirus 9-Valent Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; Moexipril: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Hydrocodone; Ibuprofen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Hydroxyurea: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Hylan G-F 20: (Major) The safety and efficacy of hylan G-F 20 given concomitantly with other intra-articular injectables have not been established. Other intra-articular injections may include intra-articular steroids (betamethasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone).
Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate; Sodium Biphosphate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Ibritumomab Tiuxetan: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Ibuprofen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Ibuprofen; Famotidine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Ibuprofen; Oxycodone: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Ibuprofen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Idelalisib: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Incretin Mimetics: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Indapamide: (Moderate) Additive hypokalemia may occur when indapamide is coadministered with other drugs with a significant risk of hypokalemia such as systemic corticosteroids. Coadminister with caution and careful monitoring.
Indinavir: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Indinavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Indomethacin: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Inebilizumab: (Moderate) Concomitant usage of inebilizumab with immunosuppressant drugs, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection. Consider the risk of additive immune system effects when coadministering therapies that cause immunosuppression with inebilizumab.
Influenza Virus Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Insulin Aspart: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Aspart; Insulin Aspart Protamine: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Degludec: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Degludec; Liraglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Detemir: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Glargine: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Glargine; Lixisenatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Glulisine: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Lispro: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin Lispro; Insulin Lispro Protamine: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulin, Inhaled: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Insulins: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Interferon Alfa-2b: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Intranasal Influenza Vaccine: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid. (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Iohexol: (Major) Serious adverse events, including death, have been observed during intrathecal administration of both corticosteroids (i.e., betamethasone) and radiopaque contrast agents (i.e., iohexol); therefore, concurrent use of these medications via the intrathecal route is contraindicated. Cases of cortical blindness, stroke, spinal cord infarction, paralysis, seizures, nerve injury, brain edema, and death have been temporally associated (i.e., within minutes to 48 hours after injection) with epidural administration of injectable corticosteroids. In addition, patients inadvertently administered iohexol formulations not indicated for intrathecal use have experienced seizures, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhages, brain edema, and death. Administering these medications together via the intrathecal route may increase the risk for serious adverse events.
Iopamidol: (Contraindicated) Because both intrathecal corticosteroids (i.e., betamethasone) and intrathecal radiopaque contrast agents (i.e., iopamidoll) can increase the risk of seizures, the intrathecal administration of corticosteroids with intrathecal radiopaque contrast agents is contraindicated.
Irbesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Isophane Insulin (NPH): (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Isoproterenol: (Moderate) The risk of cardiac toxicity with isoproterenol in asthma patients appears to be increased with the coadministration of corticosteroids. Intravenous infusions of isoproterenol in refractory asthmatic children at rates of 0.05 to 2.7 mcg/kg/min have caused clinical deterioration, myocardial infarction (necrosis), congestive heart failure and death.
Isotretinoin: (Minor) Both isotretinoin and corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis during chronic use. Patients receiving systemic corticosteroids should receive isotretinoin therapy with caution.
Itraconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Itraconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Ketoconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Ketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to increased risk of corticosteroid side effects.
Ketoprofen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Ketorolac: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Lansoprazole; Amoxicillin; Clarithromycin: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Levofloxacin: (Moderate) Quinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture requiring surgical repair or resulting in prolonged disability; this risk is further increased in those receiving concomitant corticosteroids. Discontinue quinolone therapy at the first sign of tendon inflammation or tendon pain, as these are symptoms that may precede rupture of the tendon.
Levoketoconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Ketoconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Ketoconazole has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%, leading to increased risk of corticosteroid side effects.
Levonorgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Levonorgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ferrous Bisglycinate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Levonorgestrel; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ferrous Fumarate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Lidocaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Linagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Linagliptin; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Liraglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Lisinopril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Live Vaccines: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Lixisenatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Lomustine, CCNU: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Lonapegsomatropin: (Moderate) Corticosteroids can retard bone growth and therefore, can inhibit the growth-promoting effects of somatropin. If corticosteroid therapy is required, the corticosteroid dose should be carefully adjusted.
Loop diuretics: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and loop diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and loop diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Lopinavir; Ritonavir: (Moderate) Consider an alternative corticosteroid that is less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly for long-term use, in patients receiving ritonavir. Coadministration may significantly increase betamethasone exposure increasing the risk for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
Losartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate: (Major) Avoid repeated administration of high doses of glucocorticoids during treatment with lutetium Lu 177 dotatate due to the risk of decreased efficacy of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate. Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate binds to somatostatin receptors, with the highest affinity for subtype 2 somatostatin receptors (SSTR2); glucocorticoids can induce down-regulation of SSTR2.
Macimorelin: (Major) Avoid use of macimorelin with drugs that directly affect pituitary growth hormone secretion, such as corticosteroids. Healthcare providers are advised to discontinue corticosteroid therapy and observe a sufficient washout period before administering macimorelin. Use of these medications together may impact the accuracy of the macimorelin growth hormone test.
Magnesium Salicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Mannitol: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may accentuate the electrolyte loss associated with diuretic therapy resulting in hypokalemia. Also, corticotropin may cause calcium loss and sodium and fluid retention. Mannitol itself can cause hypernatremia. Close monitoring of electrolytes should occur in patients receiving these drugs concomitantly.
Measles Virus; Mumps Virus; Rubella Virus; Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella Vaccines, MMR: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Mecasermin, Recombinant, rh-IGF-1: (Moderate) Additional monitoring may be required when coadministering systemic or inhaled corticosteroids and mecasermin, recombinant, rh-IGF-1. In animal studies, corticosteroids impair the growth-stimulating effects of growth hormone (GH) through interference with the physiological stimulation of epiphyseal chondrocyte proliferation exerted by GH and IGF-1. Dexamethasone administration on long bone tissue in vitro resulted in a decrease of local synthesis of IGF-1. Similar counteractive effects are expected in humans. If systemic or inhaled glucocorticoid therapy is required, the steroid dose should be carefully adjusted and growth rate monitored.
Meclofenamate Sodium: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Mefenamic Acid: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Meglitinides: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Meloxicam: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Meningococcal Group B Vaccine (3 strain): (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Meningococcal Group B Vaccine (4 strain): (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Meningococcal Groups A, B, C, W, and Y Vaccine (5 valent): (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Meningococcal Groups A, C, W, and Y Vaccine (4 valent): (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Mercaptopurine, 6-MP: (Minor) Concurrent use of purine analogs with other agents which cause bone marrow or immune suppression such as other antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives may result in additive effects.
Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin; Repaglinide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin; Saxagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Metformin; Sitagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Methazolamide: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may increase the risk of hypokalemia if used concurrently with methazolamide. Hypokalemia may be especially severe with prolonged use of corticotropin, ACTH. Monitor serum potassium levels to determine the need for potassium supplementation and/or alteration in drug therapy. The chronic use of corticosteroids may augment calcium excretion with methazolamide leading to increased risk for hypocalcemia and/or osteoporosis.
Methenamine; Sodium Salicylate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Methoxsalen: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Metolazone: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Metoprolol; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Metyrapone: (Contraindicated) Medications which affect pituitary or adrenocortical function, including all corticosteroid therapy, should be discontinued prior to and during testing with metyrapone. Patients taking inadvertent doses of corticosteroids on the test day may exhibit abnormally high basal plasma cortisol levels and a decreased response to the test. Although systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids is minimal, temporary discontinuation of these products should be considered if possible to reduce the potential for interference with the test results.
Micafungin: (Moderate) Leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia have been associated with micafungin. Patients who are taking immunosuppressives such as the corticosteroids with micafungin concomitantly may have additive risks for infection or other side effects. In a pharmacokinetic trial, micafungin had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of prednisolone. Acute intravascular hemolysis and hemoglobinuria was seen in a healthy volunteer during infusion of micafungin (200 mg) and oral prednisolone (20 mg). This reaction was transient, and the subject did not develop significant anemia.
Mifepristone: (Major) Mifepristone for termination of pregnancy is contraindicated in patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy and mifepristone for Cushing's disease or other chronic conditions is contraindicated in patients who require concomitant treatment with systemic corticosteroids for life-saving purposes, such as serious medical conditions or illnesses (e.g., immunosuppression after organ transplantation). For other situations where corticosteroids are used for treating non-life threatening conditions, mifepristone may lead to reduced corticosteroid efficacy and exacerbation or deterioration of such conditions. This is because mifepristone exhibits antiglucocorticoid activity that may antagonize corticosteroid therapy and the stabilization of the underlying corticosteroid-treated illness. Mifepristone may also cause adrenal insufficiency, so patients receiving corticosteroids for non life-threatening illness require close monitoring. Because serum cortisol levels remain elevated and may even increase during treatment with mifepristone, serum cortisol levels do not provide an accurate assessment of hypoadrenalism. Patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, If adrenal insufficiency occurs, stop mifepristone treatment and administer systemic glucocorticoids without delay; high doses may be needed to treat these events. Factors considered in deciding on the duration of glucocorticoid treatment should include the long half-life of mifepristone (85 hours).
Miglitol: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Mitoxantrone: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Moxifloxacin: (Moderate) Quinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture requiring surgical repair or resulting in prolonged disability; this risk is further increased in those receiving concomitant corticosteroids. Discontinue quinolone therapy at the first sign of tendon inflammation or tendon pain, as these are symptoms that may precede rupture of the tendon.
Nabumetone: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Naproxen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Naproxen; Esomeprazole: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Naproxen; Pseudoephedrine: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Natalizumab: (Major) Ordinarily, patients receiving chronic immunosuppressant therapy should not be treated with natalizumab. Treatment recommendations for combined corticosteroid therapy are dependent on the underlying indication for natalizumab therapy. Corticosteroids should be tapered in those patients with Crohn's disease who are on chronic corticosteroids when they start natalizumab therapy, as soon as a therapeutic benefit has occurred. If the patient cannot discontinue systemic corticosteroids within 6 months, discontinue natalizumab. The concomitant use of natalizumab and corticosteroids may further increase the risk of serious infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, over the risk observed with use of natalizumab alone. In multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trials, an increase in infections was seen in patients concurrently receiving short courses of corticosteroids. However, the increase in infections in natalizumab-treated patients who received steroids was similar to the increase in placebo-treated patients who received steroids. Short courses of steroid use during natalizumab, such as when they are needed for MS relapse treatment, appear to be acceptable for use concurrently.
Nateglinide: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Nefazodone: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Nefazodone is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Nelarabine: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Nelfinavir: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Nelfinavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Neostigmine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents, such as neostigmine, and systemic corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Neostigmine; Glycopyrrolate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents, such as neostigmine, and systemic corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Neuromuscular blockers: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Nirmatrelvir; Ritonavir: (Moderate) Consider an alternative corticosteroid that is less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly for long-term use, in patients receiving ritonavir. Coadministration may significantly increase betamethasone exposure increasing the risk for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
Non-Live Vaccines: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Norethindrone Acetate; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ferrous fumarate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Norethindrone; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Norethindrone; Ethinyl Estradiol; Ferrous fumarate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Norgestimate; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Ocrelizumab: (Moderate) Ocrelizumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressive or immune modulating therapies used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids. Concomitant use of ocrelizumab with any of these therapies may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection.
Ofatumumab: (Moderate) Concomitant use of ofatumumab with corticosteroids may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection. Ofatumumab has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressive or immune modulating therapies used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids.
Ofloxacin: (Moderate) Quinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture requiring surgical repair or resulting in prolonged disability; this risk is further increased in those receiving concomitant corticosteroids. Discontinue quinolone therapy at the first sign of tendon inflammation or tendon pain, as these are symptoms that may precede rupture of the tendon.
Olmesartan; Amlodipine; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Olmesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Oxaprozin: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Oxymetholone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of oxymetholone with corticosteroids or corticotropin, ACTH may cause increased edema. Manage edema with diuretic and/or digitalis therapy.
Ozanimod: (Moderate) Concomitant use of ozanimod with systemic betamethasone may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection. In clinical studies for ulcerative colitis, the use of systemic corticosteroids did not appear to influence safety or efficacy of ozanimod.
Pancuronium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Pegaspargase: (Moderate) Monitor for an increase in glucocorticoid-related adverse reactions such as hyperglycemia and osteonecrosis during concomitant use of pegaspargase and glucocorticoids.
Penicillamine: (Major) Agents such as immunosuppressives have adverse reactions similar to those of penicillamine. Concomitant use of penicillamine with these agents is contraindicated because of the increased risk of developing severe hematologic and renal toxicity.
Pentostatin: (Minor) Concurrent use of purine analogs with other agents which cause bone marrow or immune suppression such as other antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives may result in additive effects.
Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Photosensitizing agents (topical): (Minor) Corticosteroids administered prior to or concomitantly with photosensitizing agents used in photodynamic therapy may decrease the efficacy of the treatment.
Physostigmine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents, such as physostigmine, and systemic corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, withdraw anticholinesterase inhibitors at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy.
Pimozide: (Moderate) According to the manufacturer of pimozide, the drug should not be coadministered with drugs known to cause electrolyte imbalances, such as high-dose, systemic corticosteroid therapy. Pimozide is associated with a well-established risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP), and electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia) may increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Pimozide is contraindicated in patients with known hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia. Topical corticosteroids are less likely to interact.
Pioglitazone: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazolidinedione use; a thiazolidinedione dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Pioglitazone; Glimepiride: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazolidinedione use; a thiazolidinedione dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Pioglitazone; Metformin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and metformin use; a metformin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells. (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazolidinedione use; a thiazolidinedione dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Piroxicam: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Pneumococcal Vaccine, Polyvalent: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Ponesimod: (Moderate) Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Additive immune suppression may result from concomitant use of ponesimod and high-dose corticosteroid therapy which may extend the duration or severity of immune suppression. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days.
Posaconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Posaconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Potassium-sparing diuretics: (Minor) The manufacturer of spironolactone lists corticosteroids as a potential drug that interacts with spironolactone. Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. However, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone do not induce hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia is one of the indications for potassium-sparing diuretic therapy. Therefore, drugs that induce potassium loss, such as corticosteroids, could counter the hyperkalemic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Pramlintide: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Prasterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA (Dietary Supplements): (Moderate) Corticosteroids blunt the adrenal secretion of endogenous DHEA and DHEAS, resulting in reduced DHEA and DHEAS serum concentrations.
Prasterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA (FDA-approved): (Moderate) Corticosteroids blunt the adrenal secretion of endogenous DHEA and DHEAS, resulting in reduced DHEA and DHEAS serum concentrations.
Prilocaine; Epinephrine: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and epinephrine use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Corticosteroids may potentiate the hypokalemic effects of epinephrine.
Promethazine; Phenylephrine: (Moderate) The therapeutic effect of phenylephrine may be increased in patient receiving corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Monitor patients for increased pressor effect if these agents are administered concomitantly.
Propranolol: (Moderate) Monitor blood sugar during concomitant corticosteroid and propranolol use due to risk for hypoglycemia. Concurrent use may increase risk of hypoglycemia because of loss of the counter-regulatory cortisol response.
Purine analogs: (Minor) Concurrent use of purine analogs with other agents which cause bone marrow or immune suppression such as other antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives may result in additive effects.
Pyridostigmine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents, such as pyridostigmine, and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy.
Quinapril; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Quinolones: (Moderate) Quinolones have been associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture requiring surgical repair or resulting in prolonged disability; this risk is further increased in those receiving concomitant corticosteroids. Discontinue quinolone therapy at the first sign of tendon inflammation or tendon pain, as these are symptoms that may precede rupture of the tendon.
Rabies Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Regular Insulin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Regular Insulin; Isophane Insulin (NPH): (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and insulin use; an insulin dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Relugolix; Estradiol; Norethindrone acetate: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Repaglinide: (Moderate) Monitor patients receiving antidiabetic agents closely for worsening glycemic control when corticosteroids are instituted and for signs of hypoglycemia when corticosteroids are discontinued. Systemic and inhaled corticosteroids are known to increase blood glucose and worsen glycemic control in patients taking antidiabetic agents. The main risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids are the dose of steroid and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Ritonavir: (Moderate) Consider an alternative corticosteroid that is less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly for long-term use, in patients receiving ritonavir. Coadministration may significantly increase betamethasone exposure increasing the risk for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
Rituximab: (Moderate) Rituximab and corticosteroids are commonly used together; however, monitor the patient for immunosuppression and signs and symptoms of infection during combined chronic therapy.
Rituximab; Hyaluronidase: (Moderate) Rituximab and corticosteroids are commonly used together; however, monitor the patient for immunosuppression and signs and symptoms of infection during combined chronic therapy.
Rocuronium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Rosiglitazone: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazolidinedione use; a thiazolidinedione dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Rotavirus Vaccine: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Salicylates: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Salsalate: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and salicylate use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding. In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and chronic use of salicylates, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in salicylism because corticosteroids enhance renal clearance of salicylates and their withdrawal is followed by return to normal rates of renal clearance.
Saquinavir: (Moderate) Consider an alternative corticosteroid that is less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly for long-term use, in patients receiving saquinavir. Coadministration may significantly increase betamethasone exposure increasing the risk for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression. Saquinavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another strong CYP3A4 inhibitor has been reported to decrease the metabolism of certain corticosteroids by up to 60%.
Sargramostim, GM-CSF: (Major) Avoid the concomitant use of sargramostim and systemic corticosteroid agents due to the risk of additive myeloproliferative effects. If coadministration of these drugs is required, frequently monitor patients for clinical and laboratory signs of excess myeloproliferative effects (e.g., leukocytosis). Sargramostim is a recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor that works by promoting proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines: (Moderate) Patients receiving corticosteroids in greater than physiologic doses may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. Counsel patients receiving corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) Adenovirus Vector Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving corticosteroids in greater than physiologic doses may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. Counsel patients receiving corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) mRNA Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving corticosteroids in greater than physiologic doses may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. Counsel patients receiving corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) Recombinant Spike Protein Nanoparticle Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving corticosteroids in greater than physiologic doses may have a diminished response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine. Counsel patients receiving corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus after receiving the vaccine.
Saxagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Segesterone Acetate; Ethinyl Estradiol: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse events if corticosteroids are used with estrogens. Concurrent use may increase the exposure of corticosteroids. Estrogens may decrease the hepatic clearance of corticosteroids thereby increasing their effect.
Semaglutide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
SGLT2 Inhibitors: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Siponimod: (Moderate) Monitor patients carefully for signs and symptoms of infection during coadministration of siponimod and betamethasone. Concomitant use may increase the risk of immunosuppression. Siponimod has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressive therapies used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, including immunosuppressant doses of corticosteroids.
Sitagliptin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use; a DPP-4 dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine, Live, Nonreplicating: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Smallpox Vaccine, Vaccinia Vaccine: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Sodium Benzoate; Sodium Phenylacetate: (Moderate) Corticosteroids may cause protein breakdown, which could lead to elevated blood ammonia concentrations, especially in patients with an impaired ability to form urea. Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment for hyperammonemia.
Sodium Phenylbutyrate: (Moderate) The concurrent use of corticosteroids with sodium phenylbutyrate may increase plasma ammonia levels (hyperammonemia) by causing the breakdown of body protein. Patients with urea cycle disorders being treated with sodium phenylbutyrate usually should not receive regular treatment with corticosteroids.
Sodium Phenylbutyrate; Taurursodiol: (Moderate) The concurrent use of corticosteroids with sodium phenylbutyrate may increase plasma ammonia levels (hyperammonemia) by causing the breakdown of body protein. Patients with urea cycle disorders being treated with sodium phenylbutyrate usually should not receive regular treatment with corticosteroids.
Somapacitan: (Moderate) Patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress steroid doses following initiation of somapacitan. Monitor for signs/symptoms of reduced serum cortisol concentrations. Growth hormone (GH) inhibits 11betaHSD-1. Consequently, patients with untreated GH deficiency have relative increases in 11betaHSD-1 and serum cortisol. The initiation of somapacitan may result in inhibition of 11betaHSD-1 and reduced serum cortisol concentrations.
Somatrogon: (Moderate) Monitor for a decrease in serum cortisol concentrations and corticosteroid efficacy during concurrent use of corticosteroids and somatrogon. Patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress steroid doses following initiation of somatrogon. Additionally, supraphysiologic glucocorticoid treatment may attenuate the growth promoting effects of somatrogon. Carefully adjust glucocorticoid replacement dosing to avoid hypoadrenalism and an inhibitory effect on growth.
Somatropin, rh-GH: (Moderate) Corticosteroids can retard bone growth and therefore, can inhibit the growth-promoting effects of somatropin. If corticosteroid therapy is required, the corticosteroid dose should be carefully adjusted.
Sotagliflozin: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and SGLT2 inhibitor use; a SGLT2 inhibitor dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Spironolactone: (Minor) The manufacturer of spironolactone lists corticosteroids as a potential drug that interacts with spironolactone. Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. However, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone do not induce hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia is one of the indications for potassium-sparing diuretic therapy. Therefore, drugs that induce potassium loss, such as corticosteroids, could counter the hyperkalemic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Spironolactone; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss. (Minor) The manufacturer of spironolactone lists corticosteroids as a potential drug that interacts with spironolactone. Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. However, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone do not induce hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia is one of the indications for potassium-sparing diuretic therapy. Therefore, drugs that induce potassium loss, such as corticosteroids, could counter the hyperkalemic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Succinylcholine: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Sulfonylureas: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and sulfonylurea use; a sulfonylurea dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Sulindac: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Sumatriptan; Naproxen: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Telmisartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Testosterone: (Moderate) Monitor for fluid retention during concurrent corticosteroid and testosterone use. Concurrent use may result in increased fluid retention.
Thiazide diuretics: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Thiazolidinediones: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazolidinedione use; a thiazolidinedione dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Thioguanine, 6-TG: (Minor) Concurrent use of purine analogs with other agents which cause bone marrow or immune suppression such as other antineoplastic agents or immunosuppressives may result in additive effects.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: (Moderate) Patients receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy may have a diminished response to vaccines. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 2 weeks after discontinuation. If vaccine administration is necessary, consider revaccination following restoration of immune competence. Counsel patients receiving high-dose corticosteroids about the possibility of a diminished vaccine response and to continue to follow precautions to avoid exposure after receiving the vaccine.
Tipranavir: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Consider using an alternative treatment to betametasone, such as a corticosteroid less affected by CYP3A4 (i.e., beclomethasone or prednisolone), particularly if long term use is indicated. Tipranavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Tipranavir must be administered with low-dose ritonavir, which is strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Another 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.
Tirzepatide: (Moderate) Monitor blood glucose during concomitant corticosteroid and incretin mimetic use; an incretin mimetic dose adjustment may be necessary. Corticosteroids may increase blood glucose concentrations. Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance due to corticosteroids include the corticosteroid dose and duration of treatment. Corticosteroids stimulate hepatic glucose production and inhibit peripheral glucose uptake into muscle and fatty tissues, producing insulin resistance. Decreased insulin production may occur in the pancreas due to a direct effect on pancreatic beta cells.
Tolmetin: (Moderate) Monitor for gastrointestinal toxicity during concurrent corticosteroid and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Concomitant use increases the risk of GI bleeding.
Torsemide: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and loop diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and loop diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Tretinoin, ATRA: (Minor) Because systemically administered corticosteroids exhibit immunosuppressive effects when given in high doses and/or for extended periods, additive effects may be seen with other immunosuppressives or antineoplastic agents.
Triamterene: (Minor) The manufacturer of spironolactone lists corticosteroids as a potential drug that interacts with spironolactone. Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. However, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone do not induce hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia is one of the indications for potassium-sparing diuretic therapy. Therefore, drugs that induce potassium loss, such as corticosteroids, could counter the hyperkalemic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Triamterene; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss. (Minor) The manufacturer of spironolactone lists corticosteroids as a potential drug that interacts with spironolactone. Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. However, potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone do not induce hypokalemia. In fact, hypokalemia is one of the indications for potassium-sparing diuretic therapy. Therefore, drugs that induce potassium loss, such as corticosteroids, could counter the hyperkalemic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics.
Tuberculin Purified Protein Derivative, PPD: (Moderate) Immunosuppressives may decrease the immunological response to tuberculin purified protein derivative, PPD. This suppressed reactivity can persist for up to 6 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Consider deferring the skin test until completion of the immunosuppressive therapy.
Typhoid Vaccine: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ: (Moderate) Monitor potassium concentrations during concomitant corticosteroid and thiazide diuretic use due to risk for additive hypokalemia; potassium supplementation may be necessary. Both corticosteroids and thiazide diuretics cause increased renal potassium loss.
Varicella-Zoster Virus Vaccine, Live: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Vecuronium: (Moderate) Limit the period of use of neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids and only use when the specific advantages of the drugs outweigh the risks for acute myopathy. An acute myopathy has been observed with the use of high doses of corticosteroids in patients receiving concomitant long-term therapy with neuromuscular blockers. Clinical improvement or recovery after stopping therapy may require weeks to years.
Vigabatrin: (Major) Vigabatrin should not be used with corticosteroids, which are associated with serious ophthalmic effects (e.g., retinopathy or glaucoma) unless the benefit of treatment clearly outweighs the risks.
Vonoprazan; Amoxicillin; Clarithromycin: (Moderate) Monitor for corticosteroid-related adverse effects if coadministration is necessary. Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate. Another 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.
Voriconazole: (Moderate) Monitor for potential adrenal dysfunction with concomitant use of voriconazole and betamethasone. In patients taking corticosteroids, voriconazole-associated CYP3A4 inhibition of their metabolism may lead to corticosteroid excess and adrenal suppression. Corticosteroid exposure is likely to be increased. Voriconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, and betamethasone is a CYP3A4 substrate.
Vorinostat: (Moderate) Use vorinostat and corticosteroids together with caution; the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmias may be increased if electrolyte abnormalities occur. Corticosteroids may cause electrolyte imbalances; hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, or hypocalcemia and may increase the risk of QT prolongation with vorinostat. Frequently monitor serum electrolytes if concomitant use of these drugs is necessary.
Warfarin: (Moderate) Monitor the INR if warfarin is administered with corticosteroids. The effect of corticosteroids on warfarin is variable. There are reports of enhanced as well as diminished effects of anticoagulants when given concurrently with corticosteroids; however, limited published data exist, and the mechanism of the interaction is not well described. High-dose corticosteroids appear to pose a greater risk for increased anticoagulant effect. In addition, corticosteroids have been associated with a risk of peptic ulcer and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Yellow Fever Vaccine, Live: (Contraindicated) Avoid the administration of live virus vaccines with high-dose corticosteroid therapy and for at least 1 month following treatment. High-dose corticosteroid therapy is generally defined as a dose of at least 20 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent (or 2 mg/kg/day for patients weighing less than 10 kg) for at least 14 consecutive days. When feasible, administer indicated live virus vaccines at least 4 weeks before planned high-dose corticosteroid therapy or wait at least 1 month after discontinuation. Patients with altered immunocompetence may be at increased risk for severe adverse reactions due to uninhibited growth of the attenuated live virus. Additionally, vaccine efficacy may be diminished in patients receiving any supraphysiologic dose of corticosteroid.
Zafirlukast: (Minor) Zafirlukast inhibits the CYP3A4 isoenzymes and should be used cautiously in patients stabilized on drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, such as corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids exhibit anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. At the cellular level, corticosteroids induce peptides called lipocortins. Lipocortins antagonize phospholipase A2, an enzyme which causes the breakdown of leukocyte lysosomal membranes to release arachidonic acid. This action decreases the subsequent formation and release of endogenous inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins, kinins, histamine, liposomal enzymes and the complement system.
Early anti-inflammatory effects of topical corticosteroids include the inhibition of macrophage and leukocyte movement and activity in the inflamed area by reversing vascular dilation and permeability. Later inflammatory processes such as capillary production, collagen deposition, keloid (scar) formation also are inhibited by corticosteroids. Clinically, these actions correspond to decreased edema, erythema, pruritus, plaque formation and scaling of the affected skin.
Betamethasone is administered orally; betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone valerate are administered topically to the skin. Betamethasone sodium phosphate can be administered by IM, IV, intra-articular, intrasynovial, intralesional, or soft-tissue injection. The corticosteroid suspension containing betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate may be administered by IM injection or locally by intrasynovial, intra-arterial, intralesional, or soft-tissue injection. Betamethasone that is systemically absorbed is quickly distributed into the kidneys, intestines, skin, liver, and muscle. Betamethasone binds weakly to plasma proteins, and only the unbound portion of a circulating dose is active. Corticosteroids distribute into the breast milk and cross the placenta. Systemic betamethasone is metabolized by CYP3A4 to inactive metabolites. These inactive metabolites, as well as a small portion of unchanged drug, are excreted in the urine. The biological half-life of betamethasone is 35 to 54 hours.
Affected cytochrome P450 isoenzymes: Betamethasone is a substrate of CYP3A4.
-Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics
Oral Route
Betamethasone is rapidly absorbed following an oral dose with peak effects occurring within 1-2 hours.
Intravenous Route
Peak effects following IV administration of betamethasone occur within 1-2 hours; however, a dosage form appropriate for IV administration is no longer marketed in the U.S.
Intramuscular Route
The onset and duration of action of betamethasone suspensions administered via IM injection are dependent on the extent of the local blood supply and the qualities of the injectable formulation suspension. Some formulations (e.g., Celestone Soluspan) are available that combine rapid onset and repository activity.
Topical Route
Topical betamethasone preparations are administered in a thin film and rubbed gently into the affected area. Dosages of the topical preparations are expressed in terms of betamethasone. Topical preparations distribute throughout the local area of application. The amount of betamethasone absorbed following topical application is dependent on the state of the skin at the application site. Percutaneous absorption after topical application is increased in areas that have skin damage, inflammation, or occlusion, or in areas where the stratum corneum is thin such as the eyelids, genitalia, and face. Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids enter pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids.
Other Route(s)
Intra-articular Route
Betamethasone is slowly absorbed into the systemic circulation following intra-articular administration. Some pharmacokinetic data indicate that the plasma concentration of betamethasone and the suppressant effect on the adrenal cortex after intra-articular injection is similar to that after intramuscular administration. The interval before recurrence of symptoms following intra-articular applications varies greatly among patients and may range from days to months.