Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Oxcarbazepine
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz and Oxcarbazepine: 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
Oxcarbazepine is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and might modestly lower efavirenz concentrations, risking reduced antiviral efficacy. The effect is probably small but relevant for virologic control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Oxcarbazepine 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; Oxcarbazepine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Oxcarbazepine induces CYP3A4 and possibly UGT, increasing efavirenz clearance.
What to do
Monitor HIV viral load and consider efavirenz levels if available. Consider a non-inducing anticonvulsant if virologic control is lost.
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 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 Efavirenz with Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Oxcarbazepine 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. Oxcarbazepine is a weak CYP3A4 inducer and might modestly lower efavirenz concentrations, risking reduced antiviral efficacy. The effect is probably small but relevant for virologic control.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Oxcarbazepine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor HIV viral load and consider efavirenz levels if available. Consider a non-inducing anticonvulsant if virologic control is lost.
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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