Drug interactions
Ritonavir + Salmeterol
Severity: Contraindicated
Ritonavir and Salmeterol: contraindicated 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 is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and markedly increases systemic salmeterol exposure. Cardiac effects such as QT prolongation, palpitations and tachycardia have been reported.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ritonavir and Salmeterol are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals; Salmeterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Potent CYP3A4 inhibition by ritonavir reduces salmeterol metabolism.
What to do
Do not use together; switch to formoterol or another bronchodilator not dependent on CYP3A4. Monitor ECG if exposure cannot be avoided.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Salmeterol
- Salmeterol + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Salmeterol Major
- Arformoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Atazanavir + Salmeterol Major
- Budesonide-formoterol + Salmeterol Major
- Carvedilol + Salmeterol 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 Ritonavir with Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Ritonavir and Salmeterol are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Ritonavir is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and markedly increases systemic salmeterol exposure. Cardiac effects such as QT prolongation, palpitations and tachycardia have been reported.
How serious is the interaction between Ritonavir and Salmeterol?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not use together; switch to formoterol or another bronchodilator not dependent on CYP3A4. Monitor ECG if exposure cannot be avoided.
What other medicines interact with Salmeterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salmeterol with, for example, Saquinavir, Amitriptyline, Arformoterol. The full list is on the Salmeterol page.
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