Drug interactions
Paroxetine + Ritonavir
Severity: Moderate
Paroxetine 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 has complex effects on CYP enzymes and may alter paroxetine concentrations; paroxetine is metabolized mainly by CYP2D6. Ritonavir also has serotonergic-adjacent and QT concerns in some regimens. Clinical effects are generally modest and variable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paroxetine 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.
Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir may alter paroxetine metabolism via CYP2D6 and other enzyme effects, though the net effect is variable.
What to do
Monitor for paroxetine adverse effects or loss of efficacy and titrate the dose to clinical response.
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 Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
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 Paroxetine with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paroxetine 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 has complex effects on CYP enzymes and may alter paroxetine concentrations; paroxetine is metabolized mainly by CYP2D6. Ritonavir also has serotonergic-adjacent and QT concerns in some regimens. Clinical effects are generally modest and variable.
How serious is the interaction between Paroxetine 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 paroxetine adverse effects or loss of efficacy and titrate the dose to clinical response.
What other medicines interact with Paroxetine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paroxetine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Paroxetine page.
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