Drug interactions
Cimetidine + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Minor
Cimetidine and Hydrocortisone: minor 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
Cimetidine inhibits several CYP enzymes, including CYP3A4, and may modestly raise hydrocortisone exposure. Clinically significant effects are uncommon.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cimetidine and Hydrocortisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cimetidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Cimetidine inhibits CYP3A4, slightly reducing hydrocortisone clearance.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed; watch for corticosteroid excess with prolonged use. Consider famotidine as an alternative.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Other interactions of Cimetidine
- Cimetidine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Cimetidine + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Cimetidine Major
- Atazanavir + Cimetidine Major
- Carmustine + Cimetidine Major
- Cimetidine + Citalopram Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cimetidine with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cimetidine and Hydrocortisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Cimetidine inhibits several CYP enzymes, including CYP3A4, and may modestly raise hydrocortisone exposure. Clinically significant effects are uncommon.
How serious is the interaction between Cimetidine and Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine adjustment is needed; watch for corticosteroid excess with prolonged use. Consider famotidine as an alternative.
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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