Drug interactions
Cortisone + Naproxen
Severity: Moderate
Cortisone and Naproxen: 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
Concomitant corticosteroid and NSAID use substantially raises the risk of gastric and duodenal ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. Fluid retention and blood pressure elevation can also be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone and Naproxen 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
NSAIDs reduce protective gastric prostaglandins while corticosteroids impair mucosal healing and add to ulcer risk.
What to do
Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration and add a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Monitor for dyspepsia, melena and signs of GI bleeding.
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 Naproxen
- Ketorolac intranasal + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Naproxen Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Naproxen Major
- Acemetacin + Naproxen Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Naproxen Major
- Alteplase + Naproxen Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cortisone with Naproxen?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cortisone and Naproxen 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. Concomitant corticosteroid and NSAID use substantially raises the risk of gastric and duodenal ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding. Fluid retention and blood pressure elevation can also be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone and Naproxen?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration and add a proton pump inhibitor in at-risk patients. Monitor for dyspepsia, melena and signs of GI bleeding.
What other medicines interact with Naproxen?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Naproxen with, for example, Ketorolac intranasal, Ketorolac, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Naproxen page.
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