Drug interactions
Cortisone + Itraconazole
Severity: Moderate
Cortisone and Itraconazole: 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
Itraconazole may increase systemic corticosteroid exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. Cortisone is a prodrug converted to cortisol, and its CYP3A4 dependence is less than that of agents like methylprednisolone, so the effect is likely modest. Excess exposure could cause Cushingoid features or adrenal suppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone and Itraconazole 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
Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing corticosteroid clearance.
What to do
Monitor for corticosteroid excess such as hyperglycemia, edema and hypertension, and reduce the dose if these occur, especially with prolonged use.
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 Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cortisone with Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cortisone and Itraconazole 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. Itraconazole may increase systemic corticosteroid exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. Cortisone is a prodrug converted to cortisol, and its CYP3A4 dependence is less than that of agents like methylprednisolone, so the effect is likely modest. Excess exposure could cause Cushingoid features or adrenal suppression.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone and Itraconazole?
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 for corticosteroid excess such as hyperglycemia, edema and hypertension, and reduce the dose if these occur, especially with prolonged use.
What other medicines interact with Itraconazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Itraconazole with, for example, Alfuzosin, Alprazolam, Avanafil. The full list is on the Itraconazole page.
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