Drug interactions
Efavirenz + Pitolisant
Severity: Moderate
Efavirenz and Pitolisant: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Efavirenz and Pitolisant 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; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation; efavirenz may also reduce pitolisant levels via CYP3A4 induction.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and monitor it during therapy, correcting electrolyte abnormalities. Consider a pitolisant dose increase if efficacy falls.
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 Pitolisant
- Alfuzosin + Pitolisant Major
- Amiodarone + Pitolisant Major
- Amisulpride + Pitolisant Major
- Anagrelide + Pitolisant Major
- Asenapine + Pitolisant Major
- Bupropion + Pitolisant Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Efavirenz with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Efavirenz and Pitolisant 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may raise the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Pitolisant?
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 it during therapy, correcting electrolyte abnormalities. Consider a pitolisant dose increase if efficacy falls.
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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