Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz and Hydrocortisone: 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
Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and may reduce hydrocortisone exposure, potentially blunting replacement in adrenal insufficiency. The effect may be clinically relevant in patients dependent on physiological doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Hydrocortisone 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.
Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals; Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by efavirenz increasing hydrocortisone clearance.
What to do
Monitor for signs of inadequate glucocorticoid effect and consider increasing hydrocortisone dose in adrenal insufficiency.
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 Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aldesleukin + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aspirin + Hydrocortisone Major
Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Hydrocortisone 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. Efavirenz induces CYP3A4 and may reduce hydrocortisone exposure, potentially blunting replacement in adrenal insufficiency. The effect may be clinically relevant in patients dependent on physiological doses.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Hydrocortisone?
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 signs of inadequate glucocorticoid effect and consider increasing hydrocortisone dose in adrenal insufficiency.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocortisone with, for example, Mifepristone, Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent, Smallpox vaccine live. The full list is on the Hydrocortisone page.
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