Cortef is a brand name for the medication hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid. Cortef is useful in treating many health problems that involve inflammation. Like most medications, Cortef has negative interactions with certain substances, primarily other medications. Licorice is the only herb listed by U.S. National Library of Medicine website MedlinePlus as having a potential interaction with Cortef.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is similar to a hormone that your adrenal glands normally produce. It reduces pain, inflammation and swelling associated with numerous health disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, colitis, asthma and severe allergies. Cortef is available as a tablet and a liquid suspension. The injection form is called Solu-Cortef.
Drug Interactions
A drug interaction occurs when another substance, such as another drug or an herbal supplement, affects the activity of the drug -- or vice versa. An interaction may involve an increase in side effects of the drug or the other substance, or both. It also may involve an increase or decrease in the intended effects, which sometimes is dangerous.
Licorice
The one herb MedlinePlus cautions against taking with Cortef is licorice. Taking licorice herbal supplements can decrease your potassium levels, and combining licorice with Cortef can increase this side effect. If you eat significant amounts of true licorice candy, that also might cause problems, but many types of licorice candy do not actually contain licorice. Instead, it is common for these candies to contain anise for a licorice-like flavoring. Consult your doctor before combining Cortef and licorice. He may allow you to take both with his supervision, but may advise you to increase your intake of potassium-rich foods. Do not add potassium supplements to your health care regimen unless your doctor tells you to, because high potassium levels can be dangerous.
Other Interactions
Cortef does not appear to interact with any foods or beverages, but it may interact with some vitamin supplements. Consult your doctor before combining vitamin supplements with this medication. Cortef has negative interactions with numerous drugs. Examples include blood thinners, aspirin, cyclosporine, digoxin, diuretics, estrogen, birth control pills, ephedrine, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin and theophylline. Tell your doctor about any medications you take before combining them with Cortef.
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