Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Metronidazole
Severity: Minor
Hydrocortisone and Metronidazole: 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
Metronidazole has been reported to raise corticosteroid exposure slightly, possibly increasing steroid adverse effects. The clinical significance with hydrocortisone is probably small, since metronidazole is only a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Metronidazole 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; Metronidazole belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Possible weak inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated hydrocortisone clearance by metronidazole.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed. Watch for signs of corticosteroid excess such as hyperglycemia or fluid retention during prolonged co-therapy.
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 Metronidazole
- Ethanol + Metronidazole Contraindicated
- Metronidazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Metronidazole Major
- Disulfiram + Metronidazole Major
- Ergotamine + Metronidazole Major
- Lomitapide + Metronidazole Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydrocortisone and Metronidazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Metronidazole has been reported to raise corticosteroid exposure slightly, possibly increasing steroid adverse effects. The clinical significance with hydrocortisone is probably small, since metronidazole is only a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed. Watch for signs of corticosteroid excess such as hyperglycemia or fluid retention during prolonged co-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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