Patients should consult their physician before taking any additional prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, herbal medications or certain foods. Of particular concern to individuals taking corticosteroids are:

• Diuretics (water pills). Can cause the diuretic to be less effective and may increase the loss of potassium.
  
  
• Medicines containing potassium, such as some thyroid drugs. Can interfere with potassium levels in the blood.
  
  
• Medicines containing sodium. Can cause the body to retain excess sodium and water, which can cause high blood sodium (hypernatremia), high blood pressure and excess body water.
  
  
• Heart medications. Can increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat or other problems by decreasing the amount of potassium in the blood.
  
  
• Cyclosporine (used to suppress the immune system for autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to preventing transplanted organ rejection). Can cause seizures when taken with some corticosteroids.
  
  
• Insulin or other diabetes drugs (antidiabetic agents). Can increase glucose (blood sugar) when taken with corticosteroids.
  
  
• Licorice (candy made from the licorice plant’s root). Can increase the effects of corticosteroid medications.
  
  
• Antacids (counteracts stomach acidity). Can decrease the effectiveness of some corticosteroids.
  
  
• Anticonvulsants (used to treat seizures and other conditions, including neuropathic pain). Can decrease the effectiveness of some corticosteroids.

• Phenylbutazone (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat fever, pain and inflammation). Can reduce the effectiveness of corticosteroids.
  
  
• Aminoglutethimide (used to treat some tumors and adrenal conditions). Can reduce the effectiveness of corticosteroids.
  
  
• Griseofulvin (used to treat skin infections). Can reduce the effectiveness of corticosteroids.
  
  
• Ephedrine (central nervous system stimulant). May decrease the effectiveness of nasal corticosteroids.
  
  
• Ritodrine (used to stop premature labor). Can cause serious side effects when taken with corticosteroids.
  
  
• Rifampin (antibacterial drug used to treat tuberculosis). May decrease the effectiveness of nasal corticosteroids.
  
  
• Barbiturates (group of drugs used as sedatives and headache medications). Can decrease the effectiveness of some corticosteroids.
  
  
• Mitotane (used to treat cancers that affect the adrenal cortex). Can decrease the effectiveness of some corticosteroids.
  
  
• Amphotericin B by injection (used to treat fungal infections). Can decrease the amount of potassium in the blood.