Drug interactions
Felodipine + Ritonavir
Severity: Major
Felodipine and Ritonavir: 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
Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can markedly raise felodipine concentrations, causing severe hypotension, edema and tachycardia. The P-glycoprotein effect of felodipine on ritonavir is not clinically important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Felodipine and Ritonavir 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.
Felodipine belongs to Cardiovascular; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, sharply reducing felodipine first-pass and systemic metabolism.
What to do
Use a reduced felodipine starting dose with close blood pressure monitoring, or prefer an alternative antihypertensive such as one not metabolized by CYP3A4.
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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Other interactions of Felodipine
- Felodipine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Felodipine Major
- Amifostine + Felodipine Major
- Apalutamide + Felodipine Major
- Atazanavir + Felodipine Major
- Carbamazepine + Felodipine Major
Other interactions of Ritonavir
- Alfuzosin + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Ritonavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Felodipine with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Felodipine and Ritonavir 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. Ritonavir is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can markedly raise felodipine concentrations, causing severe hypotension, edema and tachycardia. The P-glycoprotein effect of felodipine on ritonavir is not clinically important.
How serious is the interaction between Felodipine and Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a reduced felodipine starting dose with close blood pressure monitoring, or prefer an alternative antihypertensive such as one not metabolized by CYP3A4.
What other medicines interact with Felodipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Felodipine with, for example, Itraconazole, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Felodipine page.
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