Drug interactions
Cetirizine + Ritonavir
Severity: Minor
Cetirizine and Ritonavir: minor 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 has been reported to modestly increase cetirizine exposure, probably through effects on transport and renal clearance. Cetirizine is minimally metabolized, so the clinical effect is usually small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cetirizine and Ritonavir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cetirizine belongs to Respiratory; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits P-glycoprotein and possibly renal elimination of cetirizine, raising its concentrations.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed; monitor for drowsiness and reduce the cetirizine dose if it occurs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Cetirizine
- Acrivastine + Cetirizine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Cetirizine Moderate
- Asenapine + Cetirizine Moderate
- Avapritinib + Cetirizine Moderate
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cetirizine Moderate
- Brexpiprazole + Cetirizine Moderate
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 Cetirizine with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cetirizine and Ritonavir have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ritonavir has been reported to modestly increase cetirizine exposure, probably through effects on transport and renal clearance. Cetirizine is minimally metabolized, so the clinical effect is usually small.
How serious is the interaction between Cetirizine and Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed; monitor for drowsiness and reduce the cetirizine dose if it occurs.
What other medicines interact with Cetirizine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cetirizine with, for example, Acrivastine, Amisulpride, Asenapine. The full list is on the Cetirizine page.
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