Drug interactions
Lopinavir + Metformin
Severity: Moderate
Lopinavir and Metformin: 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
Protease inhibitors such as lopinavir are associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which can reduce the effectiveness of metformin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lopinavir and Metformin 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; Metformin belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Lopinavir/ritonavir impairs insulin sensitivity and glucose handling, opposing metformin action.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose regularly and adjust antidiabetic therapy as needed.
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 Metformin
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 Metformin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lopinavir and Metformin 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. Protease inhibitors such as lopinavir are associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which can reduce the effectiveness of metformin.
How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir and Metformin?
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 blood glucose regularly and adjust antidiabetic therapy as needed.
What other medicines interact with Metformin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin page.
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