Which drug classes should be avoided in a patient taking hydrocortisone?

Which drug classes should be avoided in a patient taking hydrocortisone?

• A. Oral Contraceptives, Antiepileptics, and NSAIDs
• B. Oral Hypoglycemics, Anticoagulants, and NSAIDs
• C. Antihypertensives, Oral Hypoglycemics, and NSAIDs
• D. Antiepileptics, Antihypertensives, and Oral Hypoglycemics

Answer: (B)

Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid that can alter glucose metabolism, coagulation, and gastric mucosa. Because it raises blood glucose, combining it with oral hypoglycemics can blunt the effect of those agents and worsen glycemic control, making this combination least favorable. Corticosteroids can modify how anticoagulants work, potentially increasing bleeding risk and requiring closer monitoring if both are used. And NSAIDs and corticosteroids together heighten the risk of GI irritation, ulcers, and bleeding due to additive effects on the gastric lining. For these reasons, these three drug classes should be avoided or used with extreme caution in a patient taking hydrocortisone.

Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid that can alter glucose metabolism, coagulation, and gastric mucosa. Because it raises blood glucose, combining it with oral hypoglycemics can blunt the effect of those agents and worsen glycemic control, making this combination least favorable. Corticosteroids can modify how anticoagulants work, potentially increasing bleeding risk and requiring closer monitoring if both are used. And NSAIDs and corticosteroids together heighten the risk of GI irritation, ulcers, and bleeding due to additive effects on the gastric lining. For these reasons, these three drug classes should be avoided or used with extreme caution in a patient taking hydrocortisone.