Drug interactions
Modafinil + Ritonavir
Severity: Moderate
Modafinil and Ritonavir: moderate 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise modafinil levels, but modafinil has multiple clearance pathways. Effects would likely be modest, with greater adverse effects such as insomnia, anxiety or headache.
What this interaction means in plain words
Modafinil and Ritonavir can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Modafinil belongs to Central Nervous System; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, reducing modafinil metabolism; ritonavir also has some inducing effects.
What to do
Monitor for modafinil adverse effects and reduce the dose if they occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Modafinil
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 Modafinil with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Modafinil and Ritonavir can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise modafinil levels, but modafinil has multiple clearance pathways. Effects would likely be modest, with greater adverse effects such as insomnia, anxiety or headache.
How serious is the interaction between Modafinil and Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for modafinil adverse effects and reduce the dose if they occur.
What other medicines interact with Modafinil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Modafinil with, for example, Lenacapavir, Leniolisib, Lorlatinib. The full list is on the Modafinil page.
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