Drug interactions
Prednisone + Ritonavir
Severity: Moderate
Prednisone and Ritonavir: moderate interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 is a strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor and can increase prednisolone exposure, though the increase is smaller than for CYP3A4-dependent steroids like fluticasone or budesonide. With prolonged use, this may cause Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Prednisone 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.
Prednisone 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 such as hyperglycemia, edema and Cushingoid changes during long-term co-therapy, and reduce the prednisone dose if needed. Consider alternatives like beclomethasone if inhaled steroids are required.
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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References
- Prednisone - FDA drug label (DailyMed) — openFDA / DailyMed
Other interactions of Prednisone
- Bcg vaccine live + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Mifepristone + Prednisone Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Radium-223 dichloride Contraindicated
- Prednisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Prednisone Major
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 Prednisone with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Prednisone 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 is a strong CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibitor and can increase prednisolone exposure, though the increase is smaller than for CYP3A4-dependent steroids like fluticasone or budesonide. With prolonged use, this may cause Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression.
How serious is the interaction between Prednisone 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 such as hyperglycemia, edema and Cushingoid changes during long-term co-therapy, and reduce the prednisone dose if needed. Consider alternatives like beclomethasone if inhaled steroids are required.
What other medicines interact with Prednisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prednisone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles vaccine, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Prednisone page.
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