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Drug interactions

Hydrocortisone + Indinavir

Severity: Moderate

Hydrocortisone and Indinavir: 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

Indinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which can raise systemic exposure to hydrocortisone. This may cause Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression with prolonged use.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydrocortisone and Indinavir 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Indinavir inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism and P-gp efflux of hydrocortisone.

What to do

Use the lowest effective hydrocortisone dose and monitor for glucocorticoid excess, including hyperglycemia and hypertension. Consider reducing the steroid dose in long-term therapy.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Hydrocortisone with Indinavir?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocortisone and Indinavir 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. Indinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which can raise systemic exposure to hydrocortisone. This may cause Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression with prolonged use.

How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Indinavir?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective hydrocortisone dose and monitor for glucocorticoid excess, including hyperglycemia and hypertension. Consider reducing the steroid dose in long-term therapy.

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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