Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Itraconazole
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocortisone and Itraconazole: 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
Itraconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise hydrocortisone exposure, which increases the risk of corticosteroid adverse effects such as Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression. The reverse effect, hydrocortisone lowering itraconazole levels, is not well established and is minor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Itraconazole 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.
Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine; Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Itraconazole inhibits CYP3A4-mediated hydrocortisone metabolism, increasing steroid exposure.
What to do
Monitor for signs of corticosteroid excess and consider reducing the hydrocortisone dose during prolonged co-therapy. Watch for reduced antifungal response in serious infections.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Hydrocortisone and Itraconazole, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Itraconazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocortisone and Itraconazole 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. Itraconazole is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise hydrocortisone exposure, which increases the risk of corticosteroid adverse effects such as Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression. The reverse effect, hydrocortisone lowering itraconazole levels, is not well established and is minor.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Itraconazole?
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 corticosteroid excess and consider reducing the hydrocortisone dose during prolonged co-therapy. Watch for reduced antifungal response in serious infections.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
