Drug interactions
Nelfinavir + Quetiapine
Severity: Major
Nelfinavir and Quetiapine: 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 can raise quetiapine concentrations, increasing the risk of sedation, orthostatic hypotension and QT prolongation. Quetiapine is mainly cleared by CYP3A4, so potent inhibition has a substantial effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nelfinavir and Quetiapine 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; Quetiapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Nelfinavir inhibits CYP3A4, reducing quetiapine clearance.
What to do
Reduce the quetiapine dose substantially when starting a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, and monitor sedation, blood pressure and ECG. Restore the dose when the inhibitor is discontinued.
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 Quetiapine
- Adagrasib + Quetiapine Major
- Amiodarone + Quetiapine Major
- Amisulpride + Quetiapine Major
- Amoxapine + Quetiapine Major
- Anagrelide + Quetiapine Major
- Apalutamide + Quetiapine Major
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 Quetiapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Nelfinavir and Quetiapine 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 can raise quetiapine concentrations, increasing the risk of sedation, orthostatic hypotension and QT prolongation. Quetiapine is mainly cleared by CYP3A4, so potent inhibition has a substantial effect.
How serious is the interaction between Nelfinavir and Quetiapine?
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 quetiapine dose substantially when starting a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, and monitor sedation, blood pressure and ECG. Restore the dose when the inhibitor is discontinued.
What other medicines interact with Quetiapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Quetiapine with, for example, Adagrasib, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Quetiapine page.
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