Drug interactions
Gemifloxacin + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Major
Gemifloxacin and Hydrocortisone: major 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
Fluoroquinolones carry a risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, and concurrent systemic corticosteroids further increase that risk. The Achilles tendon is most often affected, particularly in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gemifloxacin and Hydrocortisone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Gemifloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive tendon toxicity; corticosteroids impair collagen synthesis and tenocyte function while fluoroquinolones cause tendon damage.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic exists, especially in patients over 60. If used, stop the fluoroquinolone at the first sign of tendon pain.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Gemifloxacin
- Arsenic trioxide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Gemifloxacin Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Gemifloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Gemifloxacin with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Gemifloxacin and Hydrocortisone can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Fluoroquinolones carry a risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture, and concurrent systemic corticosteroids further increase that risk. The Achilles tendon is most often affected, particularly in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Gemifloxacin and Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic exists, especially in patients over 60. If used, stop the fluoroquinolone at the first sign of tendon pain.
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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