What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Efavirenz and hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone's FDA label (Alkindi Sprinkle) of April 21, 2026 names efavirenz in its drug interactions section; efavirenz's label does not name hydrocortisone itself but warns about its class (Corticosteroids). The hydrocortisone label: “Hydrocortisone is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Concomitant administration of inducers of CYP3A4 may lead to decreases in serum concentrations of ALKINDI SPRINKLE and increase the risk of adverse …”
Check it at the source: the efavirenz FDA label on DailyMed (effective March 31, 2024, Cipla USA Inc.); the hydrocortisone FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 19, 2026).
What does the efavirenz label say about hydrocortisone?
Efavirenz's label does not name hydrocortisone itself; it warns about its class (Corticosteroids):
Efavirenz label, warnings and precautionsEfavirenz should be discontinued in patients developing severe rash associated with blistering, desquamation, mucosal involvement, or fever. Appropriate antihistamines and/or corticosteroids may improve the tolerability and hasten the resolution of rash.
Source: FDA drug label (Efavirenz), Cipla USA Inc., effective March 31, 2024 (SPL set 92603fa5-7a2c-4bfb-9a70-aadb4fba952c), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the hydrocortisone label say about efavirenz?
Alkindi Sprinkle label (Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc., April 21, 2026), drug interactionsClinical Impact: Hydrocortisone is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Concomitant administration of inducers of CYP3A4 may lead to decreases in serum concentrations of ALKINDI SPRINKLE and increase the risk of adverse reactions, including adrenal crisis. Intervention: Concomitant use of CYP3A4 inducers may require an increase in the ALKINDI SPRINKLE dose. Anticonvulsants: phenytoin, carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine Antibiotics: rifampicin and rifabutin Barbiturates: phenobarbital and primidone Antiretrovirals: efavirenz and nevirapine Estrogen and Estrogen …
Source: FDA drug label (Alkindi Sprinkle, NDA213876), Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc., effective April 21, 2026 (SPL set 26c13a5f-7119-4c6a-bf10-fda4e07d7682), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (hydrocortisone 1), Kroger Company, effective August 19, 2026 (SPL set f05edff2-2dc5-427c-b52c-518e0aaef4e0), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Efavirenz | Hydrocortisone | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | HIV | Osteoarthritis, Asthma, Allergies, Herpes and shingles, Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Eczema (atopic dermatitis) |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $1.28 per tablet 600 mg tablet | $0.0613 per gram 1% cream |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once