Drug interactions
Chlordiazepoxide + Lopinavir
Severity: Major
Chlordiazepoxide and Lopinavir: 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
Lopinavir, which is co-formulated with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise chlordiazepoxide levels. This can result in excessive sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlordiazepoxide and Lopinavir 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.
Chlordiazepoxide belongs to Central Nervous System; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism of chlordiazepoxide, mainly by the ritonavir component.
What to do
Prefer lorazepam or another non-CYP3A4 benzodiazepine, or reduce the chlordiazepoxide dose. Monitor for oversedation.
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 Chlordiazepoxide
Other interactions of Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlordiazepoxide with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlordiazepoxide and Lopinavir 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. Lopinavir, which is co-formulated with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise chlordiazepoxide levels. This can result in excessive sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Chlordiazepoxide and Lopinavir?
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 lorazepam or another non-CYP3A4 benzodiazepine, or reduce the chlordiazepoxide dose. Monitor for oversedation.
What other medicines interact with Chlordiazepoxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlordiazepoxide with, for example, Alfentanil, Alprazolam, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Chlordiazepoxide page.
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