Drug interactions
Prednisolone + Ritonavir
Severity: Moderate
Prednisolone 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 can raise prednisolone exposure, though less than with some other steroids. Prolonged use may increase steroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and Cushingoid features.
What this interaction means in plain words
Prednisolone 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.
Prednisolone belongs to Endocrine; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing prednisolone clearance.
What to do
Monitor for corticosteroid excess during long-term combination and use the lowest effective prednisolone dose. For prolonged use consider a steroid less dependent on CYP3A4.
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 Prednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisolone Contraindicated
- Prednisolone + Radium-223 dichloride 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 Prednisolone with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Prednisolone 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 can raise prednisolone exposure, though less than with some other steroids. Prolonged use may increase steroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and Cushingoid features.
How serious is the interaction between Prednisolone 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 corticosteroid excess during long-term combination and use the lowest effective prednisolone dose. For prolonged use consider a steroid less dependent on CYP3A4.
What other medicines interact with Prednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Prednisolone page.
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