Drug interactions
Ritonavir + Sufentanil
Severity: Major
Ritonavir and Sufentanil: 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
Ritonavir can markedly increase sufentanil concentrations. This raises the risk of prolonged sedation and life-threatening respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ritonavir and Sufentanil 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.
Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals; Sufentanil belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Ritonavir is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, decreasing sufentanil clearance.
What to do
Reduce the sufentanil dose and monitor respiratory rate and sedation for an extended period. Have ventilatory support available in procedural settings.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Ritonavir and Sufentanil, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Sufentanil
- Alprazolam + Sufentanil Major
- Amitriptyline + Sufentanil Major
- Amobarbital + Sufentanil Major
- Aripiprazole + Sufentanil Major
- Asenapine + Sufentanil Major
- Baclofen + Sufentanil 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 Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ritonavir and Sufentanil 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. Ritonavir can markedly increase sufentanil concentrations. This raises the risk of prolonged sedation and life-threatening respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Ritonavir and Sufentanil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the sufentanil dose and monitor respiratory rate and sedation for an extended period. Have ventilatory support available in procedural settings.
What other medicines interact with Sufentanil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sufentanil with, for example, Alprazolam, Amitriptyline, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Sufentanil page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
