Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Lopinavir
Severity: Major
Amiodarone and Lopinavir: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Lopinavir/ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, which metabolizes amiodarone, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This increases the risk of amiodarone toxicity, bradycardia and torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Lopinavir can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir-boosted lopinavir inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of amiodarone, with additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If necessary, monitor ECG and amiodarone concentrations and consider reducing the amiodarone dose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amiodarone and Lopinavir can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Lopinavir/ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, which metabolizes amiodarone, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This increases the risk of amiodarone toxicity, bradycardia and torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible. If necessary, monitor ECG and amiodarone concentrations and consider reducing the amiodarone dose.
What other medicines interact with Amiodarone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amiodarone with, for example, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide. The full list is on the Amiodarone page.
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