Drug interactions
Ritonavir + Sertraline
Severity: Moderate
Ritonavir and Sertraline: 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 can raise sertraline concentrations and may increase serotonergic adverse effects. Serotonin toxicity has been reported with antiretroviral boosters and SSRIs, although sertraline has several metabolic routes limiting the effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ritonavir and Sertraline 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 belongs to Anti Virals; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4 and other enzymes involved in sertraline metabolism, raising its exposure.
What to do
Titrate sertraline cautiously and use the lowest effective dose. Monitor for agitation, tremor, diaphoresis, diarrhea and hyperthermia.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline 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 Ritonavir with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ritonavir and Sertraline 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 can raise sertraline concentrations and may increase serotonergic adverse effects. Serotonin toxicity has been reported with antiretroviral boosters and SSRIs, although sertraline has several metabolic routes limiting the effect.
How serious is the interaction between Ritonavir and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Titrate sertraline cautiously and use the lowest effective dose. Monitor for agitation, tremor, diaphoresis, diarrhea and hyperthermia.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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