Drug interactions
Indinavir + Methadone
Severity: Moderate
Indinavir and Methadone: 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 methadone exposure. Excess opioid effects, sedation and QT prolongation are possible, although studies show only a small change in methadone levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Indinavir and Methadone 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 inhibits CYP3A4-mediated methadone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and QT prolongation when starting indinavir. Reduce the methadone dose if signs of excess opioid effect appear.
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 Methadone
- Alvimopan + Methadone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Methadone Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Methadone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Methadone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Indinavir with Methadone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Indinavir and Methadone 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 methadone exposure. Excess opioid effects, sedation and QT prolongation are possible, although studies show only a small change in methadone levels.
How serious is the interaction between Indinavir and Methadone?
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 sedation, respiratory depression and QT prolongation when starting indinavir. Reduce the methadone dose if signs of excess opioid effect appear.
What other medicines interact with Methadone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methadone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Droperidol. The full list is on the Methadone page.
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