Drug interactions
Cortisone + Furosemide
Severity: Moderate
Cortisone and Furosemide: 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 that promotes potassium loss, adding to the kaliuresis from furosemide. This raises the risk of hypokalemia, particularly with prolonged use or high doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone and Furosemide 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 corticosteroid mineralocorticoid effect and loop diuretic action.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium regularly and give potassium supplementation if needed.
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 Furosemide
- Amifostine + Furosemide Major
- Amikacin + Furosemide Major
- Carbenoxolone + Furosemide Major
- Cephaloridine + Furosemide Major
- Cisplatin + Furosemide Major
- Digoxin + Furosemide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cortisone with Furosemide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cortisone and Furosemide 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 that promotes potassium loss, adding to the kaliuresis from furosemide. This raises the risk of hypokalemia, particularly with prolonged use or high doses.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone and Furosemide?
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 give potassium supplementation if needed.
What other medicines interact with Furosemide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Furosemide with, for example, Amifostine, Amikacin, Carbenoxolone. The full list is on the Furosemide page.
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