Drug interactions
Bupropion + Ritonavir
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion and Ritonavir: 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
Ritonavir lowers bupropion and hydroxybupropion concentrations, probably through induction of CYP2B6, which may reduce efficacy. The effect has been shown in pharmacokinetic studies and is labeled.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion and Ritonavir 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.
Bupropion belongs to Central Nervous System; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir induces CYP2B6-mediated metabolism of bupropion.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and increase the bupropion dose if required, without exceeding the labeled maximum. Reassess the dose when ritonavir is discontinued.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Bupropion and Ritonavir, 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.
Other interactions of Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ritonavir
- Alfuzosin + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Ritonavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion and Ritonavir 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. Ritonavir lowers bupropion and hydroxybupropion concentrations, probably through induction of CYP2B6, which may reduce efficacy. The effect has been shown in pharmacokinetic studies and is labeled.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion and Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor clinical response and increase the bupropion dose if required, without exceeding the labeled maximum. Reassess the dose when ritonavir is discontinued.
What other medicines interact with Bupropion?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bupropion with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Bupropion 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.
