Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Squill
Severity: Major
Hydrocortisone and Squill: 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
Squill contains cardiac glycosides, and corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia. Low potassium raises the risk of digitalis-type arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Squill 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.
Why it happens
Corticosteroid-induced potassium loss sensitizes the myocardium to cardiac glycoside toxicity.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and magnesium and correct deficits promptly. Avoid the combination where possible and watch for arrhythmias.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Squill?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocortisone and Squill 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. Squill contains cardiac glycosides, and corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia. Low potassium raises the risk of digitalis-type arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Squill?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum potassium and magnesium and correct deficits promptly. Avoid the combination where possible and watch for arrhythmias.
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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