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Drug interactions

Clorazepate + Indinavir

Severity: Major

Clorazepate and Indinavir: 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

Indinavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise concentrations of nordiazepam, the active metabolite of clorazepate. This may lead to excessive sedation, confusion and respiratory depression, especially in older or frail patients.

What this interaction means in plain words

Clorazepate and Indinavir 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of the benzodiazepine by indinavir reduces its clearance.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible or use a lower clorazepate dose with close monitoring for oversedation and respiratory depression. Consider a benzodiazepine not dependent on oxidative metabolism, such as lorazepam.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Clorazepate with Indinavir?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clorazepate and Indinavir 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. Indinavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise concentrations of nordiazepam, the active metabolite of clorazepate. This may lead to excessive sedation, confusion and respiratory depression, especially in older or frail patients.

How serious is the interaction between Clorazepate and Indinavir?

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 the combination where possible or use a lower clorazepate dose with close monitoring for oversedation and respiratory depression. Consider a benzodiazepine not dependent on oxidative metabolism, such as lorazepam.

What other medicines interact with Clorazepate?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Clorazepate with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Clorazepate page.

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