Drug interactions
Garlic + Ritonavir
Severity: Moderate
Garlic and Ritonavir: 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
Garlic supplements have lowered exposure to saquinavir, and a similar effect on ritonavir is possible. Reduced levels of ritonavir, including when used as a booster, could weaken the antiviral regimen.
What this interaction means in plain words
Garlic and Ritonavir 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.
Garlic belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Possible induction of CYP3A4 or P-glycoprotein by garlic; not clearly established for ritonavir.
What to do
Advise avoiding garlic supplements during ritonavir therapy. Monitor viral load if they are used.
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 Garlic
- Garlic + Saquinavir Major
- Aceclofenac + Garlic Moderate
- Acemetacin + Garlic Moderate
- Aescin + Garlic Moderate
- Alteplase + Garlic Moderate
- Argatroban + Garlic Moderate
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 Garlic with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Garlic and Ritonavir 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. Garlic supplements have lowered exposure to saquinavir, and a similar effect on ritonavir is possible. Reduced levels of ritonavir, including when used as a booster, could weaken the antiviral regimen.
How serious is the interaction between Garlic and Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise avoiding garlic supplements during ritonavir therapy. Monitor viral load if they are used.
What other medicines interact with Garlic?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Garlic with, for example, Saquinavir, Aceclofenac, Acemetacin. The full list is on the Garlic page.
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