Drug interactions
Lopinavir + Methylprednisolone
Severity: Major
Lopinavir and Methylprednisolone: 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
Lopinavir, given with ritonavir, strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase methylprednisolone concentrations. Increased systemic corticosteroid exposure may cause Cushing syndrome and adrenal suppression, particularly with prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lopinavir and Methylprednisolone 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.
Lopinavir belongs to Anti Virals; Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Ritonavir-boosted lopinavir inhibits CYP3A4, reducing methylprednisolone metabolism.
What to do
Use the lowest effective methylprednisolone dose for the shortest time and monitor for corticosteroid excess. Consider an alternative such as prednisolone or beclomethasone for long-term therapy.
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 Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine 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 Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lopinavir and Methylprednisolone 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. Lopinavir, given with ritonavir, strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase methylprednisolone concentrations. Increased systemic corticosteroid exposure may cause Cushing syndrome and adrenal suppression, particularly with prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir and Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective methylprednisolone dose for the shortest time and monitor for corticosteroid excess. Consider an alternative such as prednisolone or beclomethasone for long-term therapy.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Methylprednisolone page.
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