Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz and Lithium: 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
Lithium and efavirenz can each be associated with QT prolongation, so combined use may add to arrhythmia risk. There is no established pharmacokinetic interaction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Lithium 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 belongs to Anti Virals; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor electrolytes and lithium levels. Take extra care with other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Lithium 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. Lithium and efavirenz can each be associated with QT prolongation, so combined use may add to arrhythmia risk. There is no established pharmacokinetic interaction.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor electrolytes and lithium levels. Take extra care with other QT-prolonging drugs.
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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