Drug interactions
Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir + Zidovudine
Severity: Minor
Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir and Zidovudine: minor 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 can reduce zidovudine concentrations modestly, probably by induction of glucuronidation. For the short course used in COVID-19, this is unlikely to affect HIV control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir and Zidovudine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Ritonavir may induce glucuronidation of zidovudine; the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
No dose adjustment is usually needed for a five-day course. Continue routine HIV monitoring.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Zidovudine
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Stavudine + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Carboplatin + Zidovudine Major
- Cisplatin + Zidovudine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir and Zidovudine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Ritonavir can reduce zidovudine concentrations modestly, probably by induction of glucuronidation. For the short course used in COVID-19, this is unlikely to affect HIV control.
How serious is the interaction between Nirmatrelvir / ritonavir and Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose adjustment is usually needed for a five-day course. Continue routine HIV monitoring.
What other medicines interact with Zidovudine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zidovudine with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Stavudine, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Zidovudine page.
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