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Drug interactions

Darifenacin + Lopinavir

Severity: Major

Darifenacin 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, boosted with ritonavir, is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and can markedly increase darifenacin concentrations. This raises the risk of anticholinergic toxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Darifenacin 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.

Darifenacin belongs to Genitourinary; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Ritonavir-boosted lopinavir strongly inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of darifenacin.

What to do

Avoid if possible; otherwise limit darifenacin to 7.5 mg daily and monitor for anticholinergic toxicity.

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 Darifenacin with Lopinavir?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Darifenacin 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, boosted with ritonavir, is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and can markedly increase darifenacin concentrations. This raises the risk of anticholinergic toxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Darifenacin 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: Avoid if possible; otherwise limit darifenacin to 7.5 mg daily and monitor for anticholinergic toxicity.

What other medicines interact with Darifenacin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Darifenacin with, for example, Atazanavir, Bethanechol, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Darifenacin page.

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