Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Methadone
Severity: Minor
Hydrocortisone and Methadone: 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
Corticosteroids may modestly induce CYP3A4, which could lower methadone concentrations. In patients stabilised on methadone this might reduce analgesia or provoke withdrawal symptoms. The effect of hydrocortisone is likely small and the evidence is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Methadone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine; Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Possible weak induction of CYP3A4-mediated methadone metabolism by hydrocortisone.
What to do
Monitor for opioid withdrawal or loss of analgesic effect when prolonged or high-dose hydrocortisone is started, and adjust the methadone dose if needed.
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
Other interactions of Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydrocortisone and Methadone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Corticosteroids may modestly induce CYP3A4, which could lower methadone concentrations. In patients stabilised on methadone this might reduce analgesia or provoke withdrawal symptoms. The effect of hydrocortisone is likely small and the evidence is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Methadone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for opioid withdrawal or loss of analgesic effect when prolonged or high-dose hydrocortisone is started, and adjust the methadone dose if needed.
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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