Drug interactions
Cortisone + Verapamil
Severity: Minor
Cortisone and Verapamil: minor 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
Verapamil may increase corticosteroid exposure, while corticosteroids can induce CYP3A4 and slightly reduce verapamil levels. The net effect is generally small and variable. Cortisone also requires hepatic activation to hydrocortisone, which adds uncertainty.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cortisone and Verapamil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Verapamil inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, while corticosteroids may weakly induce CYP3A4.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed; monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and watch for steroid excess or reduced verapamil effect during prolonged high-dose steroid therapy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Verapamil
- Dofetilide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Verapamil Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Verapamil Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cortisone with Verapamil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cortisone and Verapamil have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Verapamil may increase corticosteroid exposure, while corticosteroids can induce CYP3A4 and slightly reduce verapamil levels. The net effect is generally small and variable. Cortisone also requires hepatic activation to hydrocortisone, which adds uncertainty.
How serious is the interaction between Cortisone and Verapamil?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine adjustment is needed; monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and watch for steroid excess or reduced verapamil effect during prolonged high-dose steroid therapy.
What other medicines interact with Verapamil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Verapamil with, for example, Dofetilide, Flibanserin, Lomitapide. The full list is on the Verapamil page.
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