Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Ketamine
Severity: Moderate
Atazanavir and Ketamine: moderate 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
Ketamine is partly metabolized by CYP3A4, and atazanavir inhibits this enzyme, so ketamine exposure is more likely to rise than fall. Stronger or longer-lasting sedation and dissociative effects may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir and Ketamine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Ketamine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 by atazanavir (boosted regimens more so) reduces ketamine clearance.
What to do
Use lower ketamine doses with titration and monitor sedation, blood pressure and recovery time.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Ketamine
Other interactions of Atazanavir
- Alfuzosin + Atazanavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Avanafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eplerenone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atazanavir with Ketamine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atazanavir and Ketamine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ketamine is partly metabolized by CYP3A4, and atazanavir inhibits this enzyme, so ketamine exposure is more likely to rise than fall. Stronger or longer-lasting sedation and dissociative effects may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Ketamine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use lower ketamine doses with titration and monitor sedation, blood pressure and recovery time.
What other medicines interact with Ketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ketamine with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Brexanolone, Buprenorphine buccal. The full list is on the Ketamine page.
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