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Drug interactions

Atazanavir + Nizatidine

Severity: Major

Atazanavir and Nizatidine: 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 needs an acidic stomach for dissolution, and nizatidine raises gastric pH. This can substantially lower atazanavir levels and risk virologic failure and resistance.

What this interaction means in plain words

Atazanavir and Nizatidine 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; Nizatidine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

Nizatidine raises gastric pH, reducing the pH-dependent solubility and absorption of atazanavir.

What to do

Give atazanavir with or at least 10 hours after the H2 blocker, and use ritonavir boosting at the labeled doses; avoid in treatment-experienced patients unless labeled adjustments are followed.

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 Nizatidine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Atazanavir and Nizatidine 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 needs an acidic stomach for dissolution, and nizatidine raises gastric pH. This can substantially lower atazanavir levels and risk virologic failure and resistance.

How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir and Nizatidine?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give atazanavir with or at least 10 hours after the H2 blocker, and use ritonavir boosting at the labeled doses; avoid in treatment-experienced patients unless labeled adjustments are followed.

What other medicines interact with Nizatidine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Nizatidine with, for example, Dasatinib, Erlotinib, Itraconazole. The full list is on the Nizatidine page.

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