Drug interactions
Grapefruit + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Minor
Grapefruit and Hydrocortisone: 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
Grapefruit juice inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and can modestly raise exposure to orally administered hydrocortisone. The effect is generally small, but may matter with chronic dosing or in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Grapefruit and Hydrocortisone 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
Furanocoumarins in grapefruit inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, reducing first-pass metabolism of oral hydrocortisone.
What to do
Counsel patients on long-term oral hydrocortisone to avoid large regular amounts of grapefruit juice. Monitor for Cushingoid effects if intake is high.
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 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Grapefruit with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Grapefruit and Hydrocortisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Grapefruit juice inhibits intestinal CYP3A4 and can modestly raise exposure to orally administered hydrocortisone. The effect is generally small, but may matter with chronic dosing or in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Grapefruit and Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel patients on long-term oral hydrocortisone to avoid large regular amounts of grapefruit juice. Monitor for Cushingoid effects if intake is high.
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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