Drug interactions
Desvenlafaxine + Ritonavir
Severity: Minor
Desvenlafaxine 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, and CYP3A4 contributes only a small part of desvenlafaxine clearance. Desvenlafaxine levels may rise somewhat, which could increase adverse effects. Most of the drug is cleared by conjugation and renal excretion, so the effect is generally modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Desvenlafaxine 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.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits the minor CYP3A4 metabolic route of desvenlafaxine.
What to do
Dose adjustment is usually unnecessary. Watch for nausea, dizziness and blood pressure elevation, and reduce the desvenlafaxine dose if these occur.
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 Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Safinamide Contraindicated
- Desvenlafaxine + Selegiline Contraindicated
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 Desvenlafaxine with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Desvenlafaxine 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, and CYP3A4 contributes only a small part of desvenlafaxine clearance. Desvenlafaxine levels may rise somewhat, which could increase adverse effects. Most of the drug is cleared by conjugation and renal excretion, so the effect is generally modest.
How serious is the interaction between Desvenlafaxine 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: Dose adjustment is usually unnecessary. Watch for nausea, dizziness and blood pressure elevation, and reduce the desvenlafaxine dose if these occur.
What other medicines interact with Desvenlafaxine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Desvenlafaxine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Desvenlafaxine page.
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