Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Insulin inhaled
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocortisone and Insulin inhaled: 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
Systemic hydrocortisone causes hyperglycemia by increasing insulin resistance and hepatic glucose output, which can reduce the effect of inhaled insulin. Higher mealtime insulin doses may be needed.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Insulin inhaled 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.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism through glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance and increased gluconeogenesis.
What to do
Increase glucose monitoring and titrate insulin to response. Lower the dose again when corticosteroids are reduced or stopped.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Insulin inhaled?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocortisone and Insulin inhaled 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. Systemic hydrocortisone causes hyperglycemia by increasing insulin resistance and hepatic glucose output, which can reduce the effect of inhaled insulin. Higher mealtime insulin doses may be needed.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Insulin inhaled?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Increase glucose monitoring and titrate insulin to response. Lower the dose again when corticosteroids are reduced or stopped.
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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