Drug interactions
Butalbital + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Moderate
Butalbital and Hydrocortisone: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Butalbital is a barbiturate that can induce hepatic enzymes and lower hydrocortisone exposure. Loss of corticosteroid effect may be relevant in patients dependent on replacement therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Butalbital and Hydrocortisone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Barbiturate-mediated induction of CYP3A4 increases hydrocortisone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and increase the hydrocortisone dose if symptoms of under-replacement or reduced anti-inflammatory effect appear. Occasional butalbital use is of little concern.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aldesleukin + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aspirin + Hydrocortisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Butalbital with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Butalbital and Hydrocortisone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Butalbital is a barbiturate that can induce hepatic enzymes and lower hydrocortisone exposure. Loss of corticosteroid effect may be relevant in patients dependent on replacement therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Butalbital and Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor clinical response and increase the hydrocortisone dose if symptoms of under-replacement or reduced anti-inflammatory effect appear. Occasional butalbital use is of little concern.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocortisone with, for example, Mifepristone, Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent, Smallpox vaccine live. The full list is on the Hydrocortisone page.
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