Drug interactions
Indinavir + Metformin
Severity: Moderate
Indinavir and Metformin: 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
Protease inhibitors such as indinavir are associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which can reduce the effectiveness of metformin. New or worsening diabetes has been reported in patients treated with them.
What this interaction means in plain words
Indinavir and Metformin 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
Indinavir impairs insulin-mediated glucose uptake (insulin resistance), opposing metformin action.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose regularly and adjust antidiabetic therapy as needed. Reassess glycemic control when the antiretroviral regimen is changed.
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 Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Indinavir with Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Indinavir and Metformin 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. Protease inhibitors such as indinavir are associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which can reduce the effectiveness of metformin. New or worsening diabetes has been reported in patients treated with them.
How serious is the interaction between Indinavir and Metformin?
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 blood glucose regularly and adjust antidiabetic therapy as needed. Reassess glycemic control when the antiretroviral regimen is changed.
What other medicines interact with Metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin page.
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