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Drug interactions

Atazanavir + Dutasteride-tamsulosin

Severity: Major

Atazanavir and Dutasteride-tamsulosin: 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

Atazanavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise tamsulosin exposure. Higher tamsulosin levels may cause marked hypotension, dizziness, and syncope. Dutasteride is also a CYP3A4 substrate, though its long half-life makes this less important.

What this interaction means in plain words

Atazanavir and Dutasteride-tamsulosin 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.

Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Dutasteride-tamsulosin belongs to Genitourinary.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of tamsulosin (and dutasteride) by atazanavir.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible and consider an alternative BPH therapy. If it cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure and for orthostatic symptoms.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Atazanavir with Dutasteride-tamsulosin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atazanavir and Dutasteride-tamsulosin 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. Atazanavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise tamsulosin exposure. Higher tamsulosin levels may cause marked hypotension, dizziness, and syncope. Dutasteride is also a CYP3A4 substrate, though its long half-life makes this less important.

How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Dutasteride-tamsulosin?

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 the combination where possible and consider an alternative BPH therapy. If it cannot be avoided, monitor blood pressure and for orthostatic symptoms.

What other medicines interact with Dutasteride-tamsulosin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Dutasteride-tamsulosin with, for example, Alfuzosin, Amifostine, Avanafil. The full list is on the Dutasteride-tamsulosin page.

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