10 Common Prednisone Drug Interactions You Should Know

Prednisone is a widely prescribed corticosteroid medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and allergies. While prednisone can be an effective treatment, it can also interact with other medications, supplements, and even certain foods, leading to adverse reactions or reducing its efficacy. It's essential to be aware of these potential interactions to ensure safe and effective treatment.

As a patient taking prednisone, it's crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and substances you're using to minimize the risk of interactions. Here are 10 common prednisone drug interactions you should know:

1. Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)

Prednisone can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, and heparin. Monitor your blood clotting parameters and adjust your anticoagulant dosage as needed.

Examples of Blood Thinners:

Warfarin (Coumadin)
Aspirin
Heparin
Apixaban (Eliquis)
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

2. Diabetes Medications

Prednisone can increase blood sugar levels, which may affect the efficacy of diabetes medications. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and adjust your diabetes medication dosage as needed.

Examples of Diabetes Medications:

Metformin (Glucophage)
Sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, glipizide)
Insulin
Pioglitazone (Actos)
Sitagliptin (Januvia)

3. High Blood Pressure Medications

Prednisone can increase blood pressure, which may interact with high blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely and adjust your medication dosage as needed.

Examples of High Blood Pressure Medications:

Beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol)
ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril)
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, verapamil)
Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide)

4. Antidepressants

Prednisone can interact with certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor your mood and adjust your antidepressant dosage as needed.

Examples of Antidepressants:

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)

5. Anti-Seizure Medications

Prednisone can interact with certain anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), and reduce their efficacy. Monitor your seizure activity and adjust your anti-seizure medication dosage as needed.

Examples of Anti-Seizure Medications:

Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Valproic acid (Depakote)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)

6. Osteoporosis Medications

Prednisone can increase the risk of osteoporosis, which may interact with osteoporosis medications. Monitor your bone density and adjust your osteoporosis medication dosage as needed.

Examples of Osteoporosis Medications:

Alendronate (Fosamax)
Ibandronate (Boniva)
Risedronate (Actonel)
Zoledronic acid (Reclast)
Denosumab (Prolia)

7. Thyroid Medications

Prednisone can interact with thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid), and affect thyroid function. Monitor your thyroid function and adjust your thyroid medication dosage as needed.

Examples of Thyroid Medications:

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Liothyronine (Cytomel)
Thyroid extract (Armour Thyroid)
Methimazole (Tapazole)
Propylthiouracil (PTU)

8. Muscle Relaxants

Prednisone can interact with muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and increase the risk of sedation. Monitor your sedation levels and adjust your muscle relaxant dosage as needed.

Examples of Muscle Relaxants:

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
Baclofen (Gablofen)
Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
Metaxalone (Skelaxin)

9. Estrogen-Based Medications

Prednisone can interact with estrogen-based medications, such as birth control pills, and increase the risk of blood clots. Monitor your blood clotting parameters and adjust your estrogen-based medication dosage as needed.

Examples of Estrogen-Based Medications:

Birth control pills (e.g., ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (e.g., estrogen, progesterone)
Estrogen patches (e.g., Vivelle, Climara)

10. Supplements and Herbs

Prednisone can interact with certain supplements and herbs, such as St. John's Wort, and reduce its efficacy. Monitor your medication levels and adjust your supplement or herb dosage as needed.

Examples of Supplements and Herbs:

St. John's Wort
Ginkgo biloba
Garlic supplements
Vitamin C supplements
Turmeric supplements

In conclusion, it's essential to be aware of these potential prednisone drug interactions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Always inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and substances you're using to minimize the risk of interactions. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can minimize the risk of adverse reactions and maximize the benefits of prednisone treatment.

Share your thoughts: Have you experienced any prednisone drug interactions? Share your story in the comments below.

Take action: Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to review your medication list and minimize the risk of prednisone drug interactions.

What is prednisone?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and allergies.

What are the common side effects of prednisone?

Common side effects of prednisone include weight gain, increased appetite, insomnia, mood changes, and increased blood sugar levels.

Can I take prednisone with other medications?

Yes, but it's essential to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and substances you're using to minimize the risk of interactions.

How long does prednisone stay in your system?

Prednisone can stay in your system for several days or even weeks after stopping treatment.

Can I stop taking prednisone abruptly?

No, it's essential to taper off prednisone gradually to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.