Free tool
Can I eat this with Hydrocortisone tablets?
Grapefruit changes how hydrocortisone works and raises the risk of side effects, and taking tablets with food helps protect your stomach.
Our Corticosteroids page also covers Hydrocortisone tablets and gives one answer for the whole group. This page follows Hydrocortisone tablets’s own NHS page, so where the two differ, go by this one.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 47 foods and drinks for Hydrocortisone tablets (9 to avoid, 1 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Hydrocortisone tablets with food?
- Take standard tablets with or just after a snack or meal to avoid stomach upset; slow-release tablets go in the morning about half an hour before breakfast.
- Can I eat grapefruit with Hydrocortisone tablets?
- No, avoid it. Do not eat grapefruit or drink the juice while you are taking hydrocortisone tablets.
- Can I eat rich or spicy food with Hydrocortisone tablets?
- Yes, with care. If the tablets make you feel sick or give you indigestion, avoid rich or spicy food.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Grapefruit changes how hydrocortisone works and raises the risk of side effects, and taking tablets with food helps protect your stomach.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking hydrocortisone tablets. Standard tablets are best taken with or just after a snack or meal so they do not upset your stomach. You can drink alcohol, but avoid it if the tablets make you feel dizzy.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Take standard tablets with or just after a snack or meal to avoid stomach upset; slow-release tablets go in the morning about half an hour before breakfast.
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Foods to avoid with Hydrocortisone tablets· 9
Take care with Hydrocortisone tablets· 1
Fine with Hydrocortisone tablets· 37
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Hydrocortisone tablets
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 6 October 2026. How we check
NHS website
About hydrocortisone tablets
NHS medicines information on hydrocortisone tablets – what they're used for and key facts.
NHS website
Who can and cannot take hydrocortisone tablets
NHS medicines information on who can take hydrocortisone tablets and who may not be able to take them.
NHS website
How and when to take hydrocortisone tablets
NHS medicines information on dosage for hydrocortisone tablets, how to take them and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
NHS website
Side effects of hydrocortisone tablets
NHS medicines information on side effects of hydrocortisone tablets and what you can do to cope.
NHS website
Taking hydrocortisone tablets with other medicines and herbal supplements
NHS medicines information on possible interactions with hydrocortisone tablets and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Hydrocortisone tablets guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Hydrocortisone tablets
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.
Medicines with similar food rules
Affected by the same foods as Hydrocortisone tablets.