Drug interactions
Lonafarnib + Zolpidem
Severity: Major
Lonafarnib and Zolpidem: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Lonafarnib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and may substantially increase zolpidem exposure, increasing sedation and complex sleep behaviours.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lonafarnib and Zolpidem can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Lonafarnib belongs to Miscellaneous; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Strong inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated zolpidem metabolism.
What to do
Avoid if possible; if needed, reduce the zolpidem dose and monitor for excessive sedation and next-day impairment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Zolpidem
Other interactions of Lonafarnib
- Alfuzosin + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Bosentan + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lonafarnib with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lonafarnib and Zolpidem can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Lonafarnib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and may substantially increase zolpidem exposure, increasing sedation and complex sleep behaviours.
How serious is the interaction between Lonafarnib and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; if needed, reduce the zolpidem dose and monitor for excessive sedation and next-day impairment.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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