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Drug interactions

Cobicistat + Nimodipine

Severity: Major

Cobicistat and Nimodipine: 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

Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and markedly increases exposure to CYP3A4 substrates such as nimodipine. This may cause profound hypotension, which is particularly hazardous in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cobicistat and Nimodipine 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.

Cobicistat belongs to Miscellaneous; Nimodipine belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Cobicistat inhibits CYP3A4, greatly decreasing nimodipine metabolism.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible. If unavoidable, monitor blood pressure frequently and consider splitting or reducing the nimodipine 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?

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 Cobicistat with Nimodipine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cobicistat and Nimodipine 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. Cobicistat is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and markedly increases exposure to CYP3A4 substrates such as nimodipine. This may cause profound hypotension, which is particularly hazardous in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

How serious is the interaction between Cobicistat and Nimodipine?

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. If unavoidable, monitor blood pressure frequently and consider splitting or reducing the nimodipine dose.

What other medicines interact with Nimodipine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Nimodipine with, for example, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine, Ceritinib. The full list is on the Nimodipine page.

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