Drug interactions
Ritonavir + Tamsulosin
Severity: Major
Ritonavir and Tamsulosin: 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 strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 and can markedly raise tamsulosin levels. This increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ritonavir and Tamsulosin 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; Tamsulosin belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Ritonavir potently inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 metabolism of tamsulosin.
What to do
Avoid the combination; hold tamsulosin or choose an alternative. If used, monitor orthostatic blood pressure closely.
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 Tamsulosin, 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 Tamsulosin
- Alfuzosin + Tamsulosin Major
- Avanafil + Tamsulosin Major
- Ceritinib + Tamsulosin Major
- Clarithromycin + Tamsulosin Major
- Cobicistat + Tamsulosin Major
- Doxazosin + Tamsulosin 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 Tamsulosin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ritonavir and Tamsulosin 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 strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 and can markedly raise tamsulosin levels. This increases the risk of severe hypotension and syncope.
How serious is the interaction between Ritonavir and Tamsulosin?
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; hold tamsulosin or choose an alternative. If used, monitor orthostatic blood pressure closely.
What other medicines interact with Tamsulosin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tamsulosin with, for example, Alfuzosin, Avanafil, Ceritinib. The full list is on the Tamsulosin 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.
