Drug interactions
Doxorubicin + Lopinavir
Severity: Major
Doxorubicin and Lopinavir: 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
Lopinavir, given with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and may increase doxorubicin exposure. This can increase myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxorubicin 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.
Doxorubicin belongs to Oncology; Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir-boosted lopinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and P-gp, reducing doxorubicin clearance.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antiretroviral regimen without boosters during doxorubicin therapy. If unavoidable, monitor blood counts and cardiac function closely and adjust the dose.
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 Doxorubicin
Other interactions of Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxorubicin with Lopinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Doxorubicin 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, given with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and may increase doxorubicin exposure. This can increase myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Doxorubicin 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: Prefer an alternative antiretroviral regimen without boosters during doxorubicin therapy. If unavoidable, monitor blood counts and cardiac function closely and adjust the dose.
What other medicines interact with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxorubicin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Doxorubicin page.
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