Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Prednisone
Severity: Major
Ciprofloxacin and Prednisone: 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
Fluoroquinolones and systemic corticosteroids each increase the risk of tendinopathy, and the combination raises the risk of tendon inflammation and rupture, notably of the Achilles tendon. Risk is higher in older adults, transplant recipients, and those on higher steroid doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin and Prednisone 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.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Prednisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive tendon toxicity, with fluoroquinolones affecting tenocyte function and collagen matrix and corticosteroids impairing collagen synthesis.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic is suitable, especially in patients over 60 or with transplants. If used, instruct patients to stop ciprofloxacin and rest at the first sign of tendon pain.
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
- Prednisone - FDA drug label (DailyMed) — openFDA / DailyMed
Other interactions of Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
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 Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ciprofloxacin and Prednisone 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. Fluoroquinolones and systemic corticosteroids each increase the risk of tendinopathy, and the combination raises the risk of tendon inflammation and rupture, notably of the Achilles tendon. Risk is higher in older adults, transplant recipients, and those on higher steroid doses.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Prednisone?
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 an alternative antibiotic is suitable, especially in patients over 60 or with transplants. If used, instruct patients to stop ciprofloxacin and rest at the first sign of tendon pain.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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