Cold Medications Safe With Prednisone

Prednisone, a corticosteroid commonly prescribed for a wide variety of indications, is considered safe with most cough and cold medications.

However, there is considered to be an interaction between prednisone and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and the use of both together is generally recommended to be avoided.

Avoid Prednisone With NSAIDs

NSAIDs are a commonly used class of medication for the treatment of mild/moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include:

• Advil (ibuprofen)
• Aleve (naproxen)
• Aspirin

Use of NSAIDs with prednisone is generally recommended to be avoided unless prescribed or recommended by your doctor. There are several reasons for this:

• Concomitant use of corticosteroids, like prednisone and NSAIDs, increases the risk of adverse GI effects including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation.
• Both prednisone and NSAIDs can alter sodium, potassium, and fluid balance.
• NSAIDs may mask fever, pain, swelling, and other signs and symptoms of an infection. As prednisone has immunosuppressant actions, it increases your risk of infection.

The prescribing information for prednisone states the following regarding use with NSAIDs:

"Concomitant use of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Aspirin should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypoprothrombinemia. The clearance of salicylates may be increased with concurrent use of corticosteroids; this could lead to decreased salicylate serum levels or increase the risk of salicylate toxicity when corticosteroid is withdrawn."

The Beers criteria, which lists inappropriate medications and medication combinations in the elderly, recommends to avoid the combination or at the very least, provide gastrointestinal protection.

It should be noted that for many individuals, corticosteroids like prednisone and NSAIDs are prescribed at the same time, but only for a short period of time. In general, it is prolonged administration of both that should be avoided.

Cold Medications Considered Safe With Prednisone

Tylenol/Acetaminophen

When it comes to analgesics, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered safe to take with prednisone. Although it doesn't possess the anti-inflammatory actions of NSAIDs, it is not linked with an increase in GI toxicity and should not alter electrolyte and fluid levels.

It is important to note, however, that Tylenol generally isn't safe for those with liver injury or liver dysfunction (as you mention in your question).

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant included in a variety of over-the-counter cough/cold products including Delsym and DayQuil. There are no known interactions between prednisone and dextromethorphan.

Nasal Decongestant

Nasal decongestants, such as Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and Sudafed PE (phenylephrine), have no known interactions with prednisone.

The only potential concern is the fact that both (prednisone and pseudoephedrine/phenylephrine) can cause insomnia and excitability in some individuals.

Due to the risk of additive side effects (e.g. excitability), it is important to start at a low dose of a nasal decongestant and assess your tolerance. In addition, decongestants generally shouldn't be used in the evening with prednisone due to the risk of insomnia.

Expectorants

Expectorants, like Mucinex (guaifenesin), are considered safe with prednisone. There are no known interactions.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are considered safe with prednisone. They include:

• Claritin (loratadine)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)
• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Xyzal (levocetirizine)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Final Words

As discussed, most cough/cold medications are safe with prednisone. The only well-documented interaction is with NSAIDs (e.g. Advil, Aleve).

It is important to remember that even though a medication listed above is considered "safe" with prednisone, it is impossible to take into account everyone's unique medical situation and specific precautions and contraindications.

For example, in your inquiry, you mentioned you are treating hepatitis. Tylenol (acetaminophen), although considered safe with prednisone, may not be safe for your particular situation (liver injury).

It is important to talk with your doctor regarding cough/cold medications that are safe for you to take as they have your complete medical history.