Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocortisone and Pentobarbital: 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
Pentobarbital induces hepatic CYP3A4 and can speed hydrocortisone clearance. This may lower the effect of hydrocortisone, which matters in adrenal insufficiency.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Barbiturate induction of CYP3A4 increases hydrocortisone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and consider increasing the hydrocortisone dose in patients on replacement therapy. Reassess the dose after the barbiturate is stopped.
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?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocortisone and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital induces hepatic CYP3A4 and can speed hydrocortisone clearance. This may lower the effect of hydrocortisone, which matters in adrenal insufficiency.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Pentobarbital?
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 clinical response and consider increasing the hydrocortisone dose in patients on replacement therapy. Reassess the dose after the barbiturate is stopped.
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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