Drug interactions
Nelfinavir + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Nelfinavir and Oxycodone: 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
Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase oxycodone concentrations. This may lead to enhanced opioid effects including sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nelfinavir and Oxycodone 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.
Nelfinavir belongs to Anti Virals; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition decreases oxycodone metabolism to noroxycodone.
What to do
Reduce the oxycodone dose and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression. Adjust when nelfinavir is started or stopped.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
Other interactions of Nelfinavir
- Alfuzosin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
- Flibanserin + Nelfinavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nelfinavir with Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nelfinavir and Oxycodone 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. Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase oxycodone concentrations. This may lead to enhanced opioid effects including sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Nelfinavir and Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the oxycodone dose and monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression. Adjust when nelfinavir is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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