Drug interactions
Methylprednisolone + Tipranavir
Severity: Major
Methylprednisolone and Tipranavir: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Tipranavir, given with ritonavir, strongly affects CYP3A4 and can raise systemic exposure to methylprednisolone. Higher corticosteroid levels increase the risk of Cushing syndrome, adrenal suppression and infection.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylprednisolone 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.
Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine; Tipranavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Tipranavir/ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of methylprednisolone, reducing its clearance.
What to do
Avoid long-term co-administration where possible and consider a corticosteroid less dependent on CYP3A4, such as beclomethasone or prednisolone. If it is unavoidable, use the lowest effective methylprednisolone dose and monitor for corticosteroid excess and adrenal suppression.
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
- Depo-Medrone 40mg/ml Suspension for Injection - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: HIV protease inhibitors; "9. Antivirals - HIV protease inhibitors:") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 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 Methylprednisolone with Tipranavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Methylprednisolone 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. Tipranavir, given with ritonavir, strongly affects CYP3A4 and can raise systemic exposure to methylprednisolone. Higher corticosteroid levels increase the risk of Cushing syndrome, adrenal suppression and infection.
How serious is the interaction between Methylprednisolone 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 long-term co-administration where possible and consider a corticosteroid less dependent on CYP3A4, such as beclomethasone or prednisolone. If it is unavoidable, use the lowest effective methylprednisolone dose and monitor for corticosteroid excess and adrenal suppression.
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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