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Drug interactions

Rilpivirine + Ziprasidone

Severity: Major

Rilpivirine and Ziprasidone: 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

Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and rilpivirine at supratherapeutic doses has been associated with QT prolongation. Ziprasidone carries a notable QT risk, so the combination raises the chance of torsades de pointes, especially with other risk factors.

What this interaction means in plain words

Rilpivirine and Ziprasidone 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.

Rilpivirine belongs to Anti Virals; Ziprasidone belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT interval prolongation through cardiac potassium channel (hERG) blockade.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible and choose a less QT-prolonging antipsychotic. If it is unavoidable, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Rilpivirine with Ziprasidone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Rilpivirine and Ziprasidone 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, and rilpivirine at supratherapeutic doses has been associated with QT prolongation. Ziprasidone carries a notable QT risk, so the combination raises the chance of torsades de pointes, especially with other risk factors.

How serious is the interaction between Rilpivirine and Ziprasidone?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and choose a less QT-prolonging antipsychotic. If it is unavoidable, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.

What other medicines interact with Ziprasidone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ziprasidone with, for example, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Ziprasidone page.

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