Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Somatropin
Severity: Moderate
Hydrocortisone and Somatropin: 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
Glucocorticoids at supraphysiologic doses can blunt the growth-promoting effect of growth hormone. Growth hormone also inhibits conversion of cortisone to cortisol, which can unmask adrenal insufficiency in patients on hydrocortisone or cortisone replacement, so replacement requirements may change.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Somatropin 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; Somatropin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism of growth effects, and growth hormone inhibition of 11-beta-HSD-1 alters cortisol activation.
What to do
Use the lowest hydrocortisone dose that controls the underlying condition, and monitor growth velocity in children. Reassess glucocorticoid replacement when starting somatropin, as dose adjustment may be needed.
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
Other interactions of Somatropin
- Acarbose + Somatropin Moderate
- Albiglutide + Somatropin Moderate
- Alogliptin-metformin + Somatropin Moderate
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Somatropin Moderate
- Alogliptin + Somatropin Moderate
- Betamethasone + Somatropin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Somatropin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocortisone and Somatropin 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. Glucocorticoids at supraphysiologic doses can blunt the growth-promoting effect of growth hormone. Growth hormone also inhibits conversion of cortisone to cortisol, which can unmask adrenal insufficiency in patients on hydrocortisone or cortisone replacement, so replacement requirements may change.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Somatropin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest hydrocortisone dose that controls the underlying condition, and monitor growth velocity in children. Reassess glucocorticoid replacement when starting somatropin, as dose adjustment may be needed.
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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