Drug interactions
Diltiazem + Prednisone
Severity: Minor
Diltiazem and Prednisone: 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
Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 and may modestly raise exposure to some corticosteroids. For prednisone, which is mainly activated to prednisolone and less dependent on CYP3A4 than methylprednisolone, the effect is likely small. Increased steroid effects are possible in prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diltiazem and Prednisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Diltiazem belongs to Cardiovascular; Prednisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated corticosteroid metabolism by diltiazem.
What to do
Monitor for signs of excess corticosteroid effect such as edema, hyperglycemia, and hypertension during long-term use. Adjust the steroid dose if needed.
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 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 Diltiazem
- Diltiazem + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Ivabradine Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Diltiazem + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Diltiazem Major
- Alfentanil + Diltiazem Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diltiazem with Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Diltiazem and Prednisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Diltiazem inhibits CYP3A4 and may modestly raise exposure to some corticosteroids. For prednisone, which is mainly activated to prednisolone and less dependent on CYP3A4 than methylprednisolone, the effect is likely small. Increased steroid effects are possible in prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Diltiazem and Prednisone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of excess corticosteroid effect such as edema, hyperglycemia, and hypertension during long-term use. Adjust the steroid dose if needed.
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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