Drug interactions
Budesonide + Nefazodone
Severity: Major
Budesonide and Nefazodone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Nefazodone is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can substantially raise budesonide exposure. This increases the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects including adrenal suppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Budesonide and Nefazodone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Nefazodone inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of budesonide.
What to do
Avoid the combination where feasible, or choose a different antidepressant. If both are needed, use the lowest effective budesonide dose and monitor for hypercortisolism.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Budesonide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Budesonide with Nefazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Budesonide and Nefazodone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Nefazodone is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can substantially raise budesonide exposure. This increases the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects including adrenal suppression.
How serious is the interaction between Budesonide and Nefazodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where feasible, or choose a different antidepressant. If both are needed, use the lowest effective budesonide dose and monitor for hypercortisolism.
What other medicines interact with Budesonide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Budesonide with, for example, Aldesleukin, Atazanavir, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Budesonide page.
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