Drug interactions
Haloperidol + Ritonavir
Severity: Major
Haloperidol 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 inhibits the CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 pathways that clear haloperidol, so haloperidol exposure can rise. Both drugs can also prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of arrhythmia and extrapyramidal adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Haloperidol 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.
Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, reducing haloperidol metabolism, with additive QTc prolongation.
What to do
Start haloperidol at a lower dose and titrate by response, monitoring ECG/QTc and for extrapyramidal symptoms. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
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 Haloperidol with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Haloperidol 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 inhibits the CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 pathways that clear haloperidol, so haloperidol exposure can rise. Both drugs can also prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of arrhythmia and extrapyramidal adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Haloperidol 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: Start haloperidol at a lower dose and titrate by response, monitoring ECG/QTc and for extrapyramidal symptoms. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and avoid other QT-prolonging drugs.
What other medicines interact with Haloperidol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Haloperidol with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Haloperidol page.
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