Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Ofloxacin
Severity: Major
Hydrocortisone and Ofloxacin: major 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
Ofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones can cause tendinitis and tendon rupture, and systemic corticosteroids significantly increase this risk. Older patients and those with renal disease are most at risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Ofloxacin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine; Ofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive tendon toxicity via effects of both drugs on tenocytes and collagen.
What to do
Avoid the combination where alternatives exist, especially in patients over 60. Discontinue ofloxacin at the first sign of tendon pain or swelling.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Ofloxacin
- Ofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Ofloxacin Major
- Amiodarone + Ofloxacin Major
- Amisulpride + Ofloxacin Major
- Anagrelide + Ofloxacin Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Ofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocortisone and Ofloxacin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones can cause tendinitis and tendon rupture, and systemic corticosteroids significantly increase this risk. Older patients and those with renal disease are most at risk.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Ofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where alternatives exist, especially in patients over 60. Discontinue ofloxacin at the first sign of tendon pain or swelling.
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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