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Drug interactions

Hydrocortisone + Telithromycin

Severity: Moderate

Hydrocortisone and Telithromycin: 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

Telithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise corticosteroid levels, whereas the reverse effect of hydrocortisone on telithromycin is negligible. The clinically relevant concern is increased steroid exposure.

What this interaction means in plain words

Hydrocortisone and Telithromycin 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.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Telithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, which may reduce hydrocortisone clearance.

What to do

Monitor for corticosteroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and adrenal suppression during prolonged co-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 Telithromycin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Hydrocortisone and Telithromycin 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. Telithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise corticosteroid levels, whereas the reverse effect of hydrocortisone on telithromycin is negligible. The clinically relevant concern is increased steroid exposure.

How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Telithromycin?

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 corticosteroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and adrenal suppression during prolonged co-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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