Drug interactions
Buspirone + Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df
Severity: Major
Buspirone and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df: 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
Cobicistat strongly inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme clearing buspirone, so buspirone exposure can rise many-fold. This may cause excessive sedation, dizziness, nausea, and other serotonergic or CNS effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df 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.
Why it happens
Cobicistat inhibits CYP3A4-mediated first-pass and hepatic metabolism of buspirone.
What to do
Start buspirone at a very low dose and titrate cautiously according to response, or select an alternative anxiolytic. Monitor for sedation and dizziness.
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 Buspirone and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, 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 Buspirone
- Buspirone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Buspirone and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df 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. Cobicistat strongly inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme clearing buspirone, so buspirone exposure can rise many-fold. This may cause excessive sedation, dizziness, nausea, and other serotonergic or CNS effects.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start buspirone at a very low dose and titrate cautiously according to response, or select an alternative anxiolytic. Monitor for sedation and dizziness.
What other medicines interact with Buspirone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buspirone with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Buspirone 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.
