Drug interactions
Lopinavir + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Lopinavir and Sertraline: 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/ritonavir can prolong the QT interval and sertraline has a small QT effect, so together they may increase the risk of torsade de pointes. Ritonavir may also raise sertraline concentrations by inhibiting its metabolism.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lopinavir and Sertraline 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; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible pharmacokinetic increase in sertraline from ritonavir-mediated CYP inhibition.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before combining. Monitor the QTc and watch for sertraline adverse effects, or choose an alternative antidepressant if other QT risk factors exist.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline 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 Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lopinavir and Sertraline 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/ritonavir can prolong the QT interval and sertraline has a small QT effect, so together they may increase the risk of torsade de pointes. Ritonavir may also raise sertraline concentrations by inhibiting its metabolism.
How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before combining. Monitor the QTc and watch for sertraline adverse effects, or choose an alternative antidepressant if other QT risk factors exist.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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