Drug interactions
Lopinavir + Vardenafil
Severity: Major
Lopinavir and Vardenafil: 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 is co-formulated with ritonavir, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, which markedly increases vardenafil exposure. Hypotension, syncope, priapism and QT prolongation become more likely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lopinavir and Vardenafil 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; Vardenafil belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Ritonavir-boosted lopinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and reduces vardenafil clearance.
What to do
Limit vardenafil to a very low dose with long dosing intervals (2.5 mg no more than every 72 hours with ritonavir-boosted regimens) and monitor blood pressure.
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 Vardenafil
- Amyl nitrite + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Glyceryl trinitrate pr + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Isosorbide dinitrate + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Isosorbide mononitrate + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Nicorandil + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Nitroglycerin po + Vardenafil 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 Vardenafil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lopinavir and Vardenafil 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 is co-formulated with ritonavir, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, which markedly increases vardenafil exposure. Hypotension, syncope, priapism and QT prolongation become more likely.
How serious is the interaction between Lopinavir and Vardenafil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit vardenafil to a very low dose with long dosing intervals (2.5 mg no more than every 72 hours with ritonavir-boosted regimens) and monitor blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Vardenafil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vardenafil with, for example, Amyl nitrite, Glyceryl trinitrate pr, Isosorbide dinitrate. The full list is on the Vardenafil page.
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