Drug interactions
Imatinib + Ritonavir
Severity: Major
Imatinib 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 raises imatinib concentrations, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as edema, myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity and nausea.
What this interaction means in plain words
Imatinib 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.
Imatinib belongs to Oncology; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of imatinib and P-glycoprotein efflux.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise consider reducing the imatinib dose and monitor blood counts, liver enzymes, fluid status and imatinib trough levels.
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 Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib 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 Imatinib with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Imatinib 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 raises imatinib concentrations, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as edema, myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity and nausea.
How serious is the interaction between Imatinib 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: Avoid if possible; otherwise consider reducing the imatinib dose and monitor blood counts, liver enzymes, fluid status and imatinib trough levels.
What other medicines interact with Imatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imatinib with, for example, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Imatinib page.
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