Drug interactions
Lopinavir + Prednisone
Severity: Moderate
Lopinavir and Prednisone: moderate 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 is boosted with ritonavir, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, which tends to increase corticosteroid exposure. Prednisone's weak induction is unlikely to lower lopinavir levels meaningfully. The clinically relevant concern is higher prednisolone exposure and Cushingoid effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lopinavir and Prednisone 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; Prednisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Ritonavir in lopinavir/ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, increasing prednisolone exposure; prednisone induction effect on lopinavir is minor.
What to do
Monitor for corticosteroid excess and adrenal suppression during prolonged use, and use the lowest effective prednisone dose. Consider antiviral response if used long term.
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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References
- Lopinavir and Ritonavir - FDA drug label (DailyMed) — openFDA / DailyMed
Other interactions of Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
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 Prednisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lopinavir and Prednisone 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 is boosted with ritonavir, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, which tends to increase corticosteroid exposure. Prednisone's weak induction is unlikely to lower lopinavir levels meaningfully. The clinically relevant concern is higher prednisolone exposure and Cushingoid effects.
How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir and Prednisone?
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 corticosteroid excess and adrenal suppression during prolonged use, and use the lowest effective prednisone dose. Consider antiviral response if used long term.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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