Drug interactions
Cabergoline + Ritonavir
Severity: Major
Cabergoline and Ritonavir: 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
Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase cabergoline exposure. This raises the possibility of ergot-type toxicity including hypotension, nausea, and vasospasm. Cabergoline relies less on CYP3A4 than other ergots, so the interaction is mostly extrapolated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cabergoline and Ritonavir 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.
Cabergoline belongs to Endocrine; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of cabergoline.
What to do
Prefer an alternative where possible; otherwise start with a low cabergoline dose and monitor blood pressure and for 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?
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Other interactions of Cabergoline
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 Cabergoline with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cabergoline and Ritonavir 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. Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase cabergoline exposure. This raises the possibility of ergot-type toxicity including hypotension, nausea, and vasospasm. Cabergoline relies less on CYP3A4 than other ergots, so the interaction is mostly extrapolated.
How serious is the interaction between Cabergoline and Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative where possible; otherwise start with a low cabergoline dose and monitor blood pressure and for peripheral ischemia.
What other medicines interact with Cabergoline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cabergoline with, for example, Benperidol, Chlorpromazine, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Cabergoline page.
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