Drug interactions
Methylprednisolone + Ritonavir
Severity: Major
Methylprednisolone and Ritonavir: 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
Ritonavir markedly raises methylprednisolone exposure, increasing the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects such as Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia and infection. Effects are more pronounced with prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylprednisolone and Ritonavir 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.
Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and also inhibits P-glycoprotein, reducing methylprednisolone clearance and efflux.
What to do
Avoid long-term coadministration where possible, or reduce the methylprednisolone dose and monitor for Cushingoid features, glucose and adrenal suppression. Consider a less CYP3A4-dependent corticosteroid for prolonged 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 Ritonavir
- Alfuzosin + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Ritonavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Methylprednisolone with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methylprednisolone and Ritonavir 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 markedly raises methylprednisolone exposure, increasing the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects such as Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia and infection. Effects are more pronounced with prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Methylprednisolone and Ritonavir?
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 long-term coadministration where possible, or reduce the methylprednisolone dose and monitor for Cushingoid features, glucose and adrenal suppression. Consider a less CYP3A4-dependent corticosteroid for prolonged 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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