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Drug interactions

Hydrocortisone + Nelfinavir

Severity: Moderate

Hydrocortisone and Nelfinavir: 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

Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise hydrocortisone exposure. This may lead to Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression with prolonged use.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydrocortisone and Nelfinavir 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; Nelfinavir belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated hydrocortisone metabolism by nelfinavir.

What to do

Monitor for signs of corticosteroid excess and use the lowest effective hydrocortisone dose. Consider dose reduction in long-term use.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Hydrocortisone with Nelfinavir?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocortisone and Nelfinavir 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. Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise hydrocortisone exposure. This may lead to Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression with prolonged use.

How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Nelfinavir?

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 use the lowest effective hydrocortisone dose. Consider dose reduction in long-term use.

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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