Drug interactions
Metoprolol + Saquinavir
Severity: Major
Metoprolol and Saquinavir: 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
Saquinavir prolongs the PR and QT intervals, and metoprolol slows AV conduction, so the combination raises the risk of heart block and arrhythmia. Saquinavir may also modestly raise metoprolol exposure through enzyme inhibition.
What this interaction means in plain words
Metoprolol and Saquinavir 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.
Why it happens
Additive AV nodal conduction slowing and PR prolongation, with possible pharmacokinetic increase in metoprolol exposure.
What to do
Use an alternative antiretroviral or antihypertensive if possible; if combined, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor PR interval and heart rate. Avoid in patients with existing conduction disease.
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 Metoprolol
- Metoprolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Metoprolol Major
- Amiodarone + Metoprolol Major
- Atenolol-chlorthalidone + Metoprolol Major
- Atenolol + Metoprolol Major
- Betaxolol + Metoprolol Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Metoprolol with Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Metoprolol and Saquinavir 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. Saquinavir prolongs the PR and QT intervals, and metoprolol slows AV conduction, so the combination raises the risk of heart block and arrhythmia. Saquinavir may also modestly raise metoprolol exposure through enzyme inhibition.
How serious is the interaction between Metoprolol and Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antiretroviral or antihypertensive if possible; if combined, obtain a baseline ECG and monitor PR interval and heart rate. Avoid in patients with existing conduction disease.
What other medicines interact with Metoprolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metoprolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Amifostine, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Metoprolol page.
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