Drug interactions
Dolutegravir + Efavirenz
Severity: Moderate
Dolutegravir and Efavirenz: moderate 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
Efavirenz induces UGT1A1 and CYP3A4, lowering dolutegravir concentrations and risking reduced antiviral efficacy. The combination is acceptable with dose adjustment rather than avoidance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dolutegravir and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Dolutegravir belongs to Anti Virals; Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Efavirenz induces UGT1A1 and CYP3A, increasing dolutegravir clearance.
What to do
Give dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily instead of once daily while efavirenz is co-administered. Monitor viral load, and return to the standard dose when efavirenz is stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Efavirenz
- Cobimetinib + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dienogest / estradiol valerate + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Efavirenz Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Dolutegravir
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dolutegravir with Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dolutegravir and Efavirenz can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Efavirenz induces UGT1A1 and CYP3A4, lowering dolutegravir concentrations and risking reduced antiviral efficacy. The combination is acceptable with dose adjustment rather than avoidance.
How serious is the interaction between Dolutegravir and Efavirenz?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily instead of once daily while efavirenz is co-administered. Monitor viral load, and return to the standard dose when efavirenz is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Efavirenz?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Efavirenz with, for example, Cobimetinib, Dienogest / estradiol valerate, Dihydroergotamine intranasal. The full list is on the Efavirenz page.
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