Drug interactions
Lopinavir + Meperidine
Severity: Moderate
Lopinavir and Meperidine: 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
Lopinavir, given with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase meperidine exposure and opioid effects. Ritonavir may also induce other pathways, so the net effect is unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lopinavir and Meperidine 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.
Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals; Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by ritonavir-boosted lopinavir alters meperidine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and titrate meperidine cautiously. Consider an alternative analgesic for repeated dosing.
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 Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Lopinavir
- Alfuzosin + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Lopinavir Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Lopinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lopinavir with Meperidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lopinavir and Meperidine 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. Lopinavir, given with ritonavir, inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase meperidine exposure and opioid effects. Ritonavir may also induce other pathways, so the net effect is unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir and Meperidine?
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 and respiratory depression and titrate meperidine cautiously. Consider an alternative analgesic for repeated dosing.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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