Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Darunavir
Severity: Major
Carbamazepine and Darunavir: 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
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 and can reduce boosted darunavir concentrations, risking virologic failure and resistance. Boosting inhibitors may also raise carbamazepine levels, causing toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Darunavir 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.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Darunavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 metabolism of darunavir, while the ritonavir or cobicistat booster inhibits carbamazepine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If used, monitor HIV RNA and carbamazepine levels and consider reducing the carbamazepine dose.
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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References
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Darunavir
- Alfuzosin + Darunavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Darunavir Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Flibanserin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Darunavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbamazepine and Darunavir 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. Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4 and can reduce boosted darunavir concentrations, risking virologic failure and resistance. Boosting inhibitors may also raise carbamazepine levels, causing toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Darunavir?
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. If used, monitor HIV RNA and carbamazepine levels and consider reducing the carbamazepine dose.
What other medicines interact with Carbamazepine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbamazepine with, for example, Artemether / lumefantrine, Cabotegravir, Delamanid. The full list is on the Carbamazepine page.
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