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Drug interactions

Efavirenz + Pretomanid

Severity: Major

Efavirenz and Pretomanid: major 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

Efavirenz markedly lowers pretomanid exposure, risking reduced antimycobacterial effect, and both drugs may be hepatotoxic. This risks treatment failure of drug-resistant tuberculosis and added liver injury.

What this interaction means in plain words

Efavirenz and Pretomanid 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.

Efavirenz belongs to Anti Virals; Pretomanid belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: High

Why it happens

CYP3A4 induction accelerates pretomanid metabolism, with additive hepatotoxic potential.

What to do

Avoid the combination and use an alternative antiretroviral such as dolutegravir-based therapy. Monitor liver function if both are used.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Efavirenz with Pretomanid?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Efavirenz and Pretomanid 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. Efavirenz markedly lowers pretomanid exposure, risking reduced antimycobacterial effect, and both drugs may be hepatotoxic. This risks treatment failure of drug-resistant tuberculosis and added liver injury.

How serious is the interaction between Efavirenz and Pretomanid?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and use an alternative antiretroviral such as dolutegravir-based therapy. Monitor liver function if both are used.

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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