Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone + Zaleplon
Severity: Minor
Hydrocortisone and Zaleplon: minor 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
Hydrocortisone may weakly induce CYP3A4, which could modestly lower exposure to zaleplon, a minor CYP3A4 substrate. Any reduction in hypnotic effect is expected to be small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone and Zaleplon have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible weak CYP3A4 induction by hydrocortisone; zaleplon is mainly metabolized by aldehyde oxidase with a CYP3A4 contribution.
What to do
No action is generally needed; reassess sleep response if efficacy appears reduced.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydrocortisone and Zaleplon have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Hydrocortisone may weakly induce CYP3A4, which could modestly lower exposure to zaleplon, a minor CYP3A4 substrate. Any reduction in hypnotic effect is expected to be small.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No action is generally needed; reassess sleep response if efficacy appears reduced.
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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