Drug interactions
Chlorthalidone + Cortisone
Severity: Moderate
Chlorthalidone and Cortisone: 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
Cortisone has mineralocorticoid activity, and combined with chlorthalidone it can enhance potassium excretion and cause hypokalemia. Sodium and water retention may also reduce diuretic effectiveness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorthalidone and Cortisone 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
Additive renal potassium wasting from thiazide-type diuresis and corticosteroid mineralocorticoid effects.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium regularly and supplement potassium if low. Watch blood pressure and fluid status.
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 Chlorthalidone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorthalidone with Cortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorthalidone and Cortisone 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. Cortisone has mineralocorticoid activity, and combined with chlorthalidone it can enhance potassium excretion and cause hypokalemia. Sodium and water retention may also reduce diuretic effectiveness.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorthalidone and Cortisone?
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 serum potassium regularly and supplement potassium if low. Watch blood pressure and fluid status.
What other medicines interact with Chlorthalidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorthalidone with, for example, Amifostine, Atenolol-chlorthalidone, Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide. The full list is on the Chlorthalidone page.
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