Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Hydrocortisone rectal
Severity: Moderate
Ciprofloxacin and Hydrocortisone rectal: 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
Fluoroquinolones and systemic corticosteroids together increase the risk of tendinopathy and tendon rupture, notably the Achilles tendon. Rectal hydrocortisone is partially absorbed, so the risk is lower than with oral steroids but still plausible, especially in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin and Hydrocortisone rectal 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 tendon toxicity; corticosteroids impair collagen synthesis and tenocyte function, compounding fluoroquinolone-related tendon damage.
What to do
Counsel the patient to stop ciprofloxacin and rest at the first sign of tendon pain or swelling. Prefer a non-fluoroquinolone antibiotic in older patients or those on prolonged steroid courses.
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 Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Hydrocortisone rectal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ciprofloxacin and Hydrocortisone rectal 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. Fluoroquinolones and systemic corticosteroids together increase the risk of tendinopathy and tendon rupture, notably the Achilles tendon. Rectal hydrocortisone is partially absorbed, so the risk is lower than with oral steroids but still plausible, especially in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Hydrocortisone rectal?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient to stop ciprofloxacin and rest at the first sign of tendon pain or swelling. Prefer a non-fluoroquinolone antibiotic in older patients or those on prolonged steroid courses.
What other medicines interact with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ciprofloxacin with, for example, Agomelatine, Fezolinetant, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Ciprofloxacin page.
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