Drug interactions
Itraconazole + Methylprednisolone
Severity: Major
Itraconazole and Methylprednisolone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Itraconazole substantially raises methylprednisolone exposure, increasing the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects such as Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia and infection. The effect is more notable with prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Itraconazole and Methylprednisolone 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.
Itraconazole belongs to Anti Fungals; Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Itraconazole strongly inhibits CYP3A4, reducing methylprednisolone clearance.
What to do
Reduce the methylprednisolone dose and monitor for corticosteroid excess, including glucose and blood pressure. Consider an alternative less affected by CYP3A4 for prolonged therapy.
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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References
Other interactions of Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Itraconazole
- Alfuzosin + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Alprazolam + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Conivaptan + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Itraconazole with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Itraconazole and Methylprednisolone 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. Itraconazole substantially raises methylprednisolone exposure, increasing the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects such as Cushingoid features, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia and infection. The effect is more notable with prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Itraconazole and Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the methylprednisolone dose and monitor for corticosteroid excess, including glucose and blood pressure. Consider an alternative less affected by CYP3A4 for prolonged therapy.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Methylprednisolone page.
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