Drug interactions
Kava + Zidovudine
Severity: Moderate
Kava and Zidovudine: 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
Both zidovudine and kava have been associated with liver injury, so using them together could add to the risk of hepatotoxicity. The clinical evidence is limited to case reports of kava hepatotoxicity and the theoretical overlap with zidovudine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Kava and Zidovudine 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
Possible additive hepatotoxicity; no established pharmacokinetic mechanism.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid kava while on zidovudine. If kava has been used, check liver enzymes and review for symptoms of liver injury.
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 Zidovudine
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Stavudine + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Carboplatin + Zidovudine Major
- Cisplatin + Zidovudine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Kava with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Kava and Zidovudine 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. Both zidovudine and kava have been associated with liver injury, so using them together could add to the risk of hepatotoxicity. The clinical evidence is limited to case reports of kava hepatotoxicity and the theoretical overlap with zidovudine.
How serious is the interaction between Kava and Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid kava while on zidovudine. If kava has been used, check liver enzymes and review for symptoms of liver injury.
What other medicines interact with Zidovudine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zidovudine with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Stavudine, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Zidovudine page.
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