Drug interactions
Dolutegravir + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Major
Dolutegravir and Oxcarbazepine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Oxcarbazepine may reduce dolutegravir exposure and risk loss of virologic control. The effect is likely smaller than with carbamazepine but remains clinically relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dolutegravir and Oxcarbazepine 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.
Dolutegravir belongs to Anti Virals; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Oxcarbazepine induces UGT1A1 and CYP3A4, increasing dolutegravir metabolism.
What to do
Use a non-inducing anticonvulsant where possible. If unavoidable, give dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily and monitor HIV viral load.
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?
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References
Other interactions of Dolutegravir
Other interactions of Oxcarbazepine
- Cabotegravir + Oxcarbazepine Contraindicated
- Oxcarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Atazanavir + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Oxcarbazepine Major
- Bictegravir + Oxcarbazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dolutegravir with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dolutegravir and Oxcarbazepine 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. Oxcarbazepine may reduce dolutegravir exposure and risk loss of virologic control. The effect is likely smaller than with carbamazepine but remains clinically relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Dolutegravir and Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-inducing anticonvulsant where possible. If unavoidable, give dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily and monitor HIV viral load.
What other medicines interact with Dolutegravir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dolutegravir with, for example, Dofetilide, Aluminum hydroxide, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Dolutegravir page.
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