Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Methylprednisolone
Severity: Minor
Hydrocortisone and Methylprednisolone: 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
Both are systemic glucocorticoids, so using them together duplicates therapy and adds to steroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and adrenal suppression. A clinically important pharmacokinetic effect is not established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Methylprednisolone 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; Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive glucocorticoid pharmacodynamic effects; pharmacokinetic interaction is unproven.
What to do
Avoid unnecessary duplication of corticosteroids and monitor glucose and blood pressure if both are used.
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 Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
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 Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydrocortisone and Methylprednisolone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both are systemic glucocorticoids, so using them together duplicates therapy and adds to steroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and adrenal suppression. A clinically important pharmacokinetic effect is not established.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid unnecessary duplication of corticosteroids and monitor glucose and blood pressure if both are used.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Methylprednisolone page.
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