Drug interactions
Hydrocortisone rectal + Levofloxacin
Severity: Minor
Hydrocortisone rectal and Levofloxacin: 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
Fluoroquinolones carry a risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture that is increased by corticosteroid use. Rectal hydrocortisone has lower but real systemic absorption, so the added risk is smaller than with oral or systemic steroids but still present, especially in older patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocortisone rectal and Levofloxacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Additive tendon toxicity; corticosteroids impair collagen turnover while fluoroquinolones damage tendon tissue.
What to do
Counsel the patient to stop levofloxacin and report promptly any tendon pain or swelling. Be more vigilant in patients over 60, transplant recipients, or those on prolonged or high-dose steroid therapy.
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 Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Hydrocortisone rectal with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Hydrocortisone rectal and Levofloxacin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Fluoroquinolones carry a risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture that is increased by corticosteroid use. Rectal hydrocortisone has lower but real systemic absorption, so the added risk is smaller than with oral or systemic steroids but still present, especially in older patients.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocortisone rectal and Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Counsel the patient to stop levofloxacin and report promptly any tendon pain or swelling. Be more vigilant in patients over 60, transplant recipients, or those on prolonged or high-dose steroid therapy.
What other medicines interact with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Levofloxacin with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Levofloxacin page.
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