Drug interactions
Meperidine + Tipranavir
Severity: Major
Meperidine and Tipranavir: major 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
Ritonavir-boosted tipranavir induces meperidine metabolism, lowering meperidine levels but increasing its neurotoxic metabolite normeperidine. This may reduce analgesia and raise seizure risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Meperidine and Tipranavir 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.
Meperidine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Tipranavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Enzyme induction by ritonavir-boosted tipranavir increases N-demethylation of meperidine to normeperidine.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose another opioid; if unavoidable, monitor for seizures and tremor and limit duration.
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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Other interactions of Meperidine
- Alvimopan + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Meperidine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Meperidine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Tipranavir
- Alfuzosin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Tipranavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Meperidine with Tipranavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Meperidine and Tipranavir 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. Ritonavir-boosted tipranavir induces meperidine metabolism, lowering meperidine levels but increasing its neurotoxic metabolite normeperidine. This may reduce analgesia and raise seizure risk.
How serious is the interaction between Meperidine and Tipranavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose another opioid; if unavoidable, monitor for seizures and tremor and limit duration.
What other medicines interact with Meperidine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meperidine with, for example, Alvimopan, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Meperidine page.
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