Drug interactions
Methadone + Prednisone
Severity: Minor
Methadone and Prednisone: 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
Corticosteroids may modestly induce CYP3A4, which could lower methadone exposure, but the effect with prednisone is weak and poorly documented. Clinically significant loss of analgesia or withdrawal is unlikely in most patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methadone and Prednisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Methadone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Prednisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Possible weak induction of CYP3A4-mediated methadone metabolism by prednisone.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed; monitor for reduced analgesic effect or opioid withdrawal symptoms if prednisone is started at high doses.
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 Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
Other interactions of Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methadone with Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Methadone and Prednisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Corticosteroids may modestly induce CYP3A4, which could lower methadone exposure, but the effect with prednisone is weak and poorly documented. Clinically significant loss of analgesia or withdrawal is unlikely in most patients.
How serious is the interaction between Methadone and Prednisone?
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 routine dose change is needed; monitor for reduced analgesic effect or opioid withdrawal symptoms if prednisone is started at high doses.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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