Drug interactions
Bromocriptine + Lopinavir
Severity: Major
Bromocriptine and Lopinavir: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Bromocriptine is metabolized by CYP3A4, and lopinavir given with ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Higher bromocriptine levels can cause nausea, hypotension, somnolence and, with ergot derivatives, vasospasm.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bromocriptine 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.
Bromocriptine belongs to Central Nervous System; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of bromocriptine by ritonavir-boosted lopinavir.
What to do
Avoid if possible or start bromocriptine at a reduced dose and titrate cautiously. Monitor blood pressure and for signs of ergot toxicity such as peripheral ischemia.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Bromocriptine and Lopinavir, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Bromocriptine
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 Bromocriptine with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bromocriptine 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. Bromocriptine is metabolized by CYP3A4, and lopinavir given with ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Higher bromocriptine levels can cause nausea, hypotension, somnolence and, with ergot derivatives, vasospasm.
How serious is the interaction between Bromocriptine 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 or start bromocriptine at a reduced dose and titrate cautiously. Monitor blood pressure and for signs of ergot toxicity such as peripheral ischemia.
What other medicines interact with Bromocriptine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bromocriptine with, for example, Amisulpride, Atazanavir, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Bromocriptine page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
