Drug interactions
Indinavir + Meperidine
Severity: Moderate
Indinavir and Meperidine: 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
Indinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase meperidine concentrations, potentially increasing sedation and respiratory depression. Reduced formation of normeperidine may partly offset the risk, so the net effect is not well defined.
What this interaction means in plain words
Indinavir and Meperidine 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated N-demethylation of meperidine.
What to do
Monitor for opioid excess and adjust meperidine dose to response. Consider an opioid with a different metabolic pathway when prolonged use is needed.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Indinavir with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Indinavir and Meperidine 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. Indinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase meperidine concentrations, potentially increasing sedation and respiratory depression. Reduced formation of normeperidine may partly offset the risk, so the net effect is not well defined.
How serious is the interaction between Indinavir and Meperidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for opioid excess and adjust meperidine dose to response. Consider an opioid with a different metabolic pathway when prolonged use is needed.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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