Drug interactions
Dolutegravir + Zinc
Severity: Moderate
Dolutegravir and Zinc: 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
Zinc supplements taken with dolutegravir can bind the drug in the gut and reduce its absorption. This may lower dolutegravir levels and weaken virologic control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dolutegravir and Zinc 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; Zinc belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Chelation of dolutegravir by zinc cations in the gastrointestinal tract reduces absorption.
What to do
Give dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc supplements, or take them together with a meal.
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 Dolutegravir
Other interactions of Zinc
- Alendronate + Zinc Moderate
- Baloxavir marboxil + Zinc Moderate
- Cefalexin + Zinc Moderate
- Ciprofloxacin + Zinc Moderate
- Delafloxacin + Zinc Moderate
- Doxycycline + Zinc Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dolutegravir with Zinc?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dolutegravir and Zinc 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. Zinc supplements taken with dolutegravir can bind the drug in the gut and reduce its absorption. This may lower dolutegravir levels and weaken virologic control.
How serious is the interaction between Dolutegravir and Zinc?
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 at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after zinc supplements, or take them together with a meal.
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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