Drug interactions
Lithium + Rilpivirine
Severity: Moderate
Lithium and Rilpivirine: 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
Rilpivirine can prolong the QT interval at supratherapeutic doses, and lithium may also affect cardiac repolarization. The combination could raise the risk of arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Rilpivirine 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.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Rilpivirine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects on QT interval.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG when there are other QT risk factors and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Monitor lithium levels and cardiac symptoms.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Other interactions of Rilpivirine
- Carbamazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexamethasone + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Dexlansoprazole + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Efavirenz + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Eslicarbazepine + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
- Esomeprazole + Rilpivirine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Rilpivirine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lithium and Rilpivirine 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. Rilpivirine can prolong the QT interval at supratherapeutic doses, and lithium may also affect cardiac repolarization. The combination could raise the risk of arrhythmia in susceptible patients.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Rilpivirine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG when there are other QT risk factors and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Monitor lithium levels and cardiac symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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