Drug interactions
Ritonavir + Tinidazole
Severity: Major
Ritonavir and Tinidazole: 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 oral solution contains ethanol, and tinidazole can provoke a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, causing flushing, vomiting, tachycardia and headache. The risk is tied to the alcohol-containing liquid formulation rather than ritonavir itself.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ritonavir and Tinidazole 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; Tinidazole belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Ethanol in the ritonavir oral solution combined with tinidazole's disulfiram-like inhibition of alcohol metabolism.
What to do
Avoid ritonavir oral solution during tinidazole treatment and for 3 days after; use ritonavir tablets or another formulation if coadministration is needed.
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?
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Other interactions of Tinidazole
- Disulfiram + Tinidazole Contraindicated
- Ethanol + Tinidazole Major
- Fexinidazole + Tinidazole Major
- Lopinavir + Tinidazole Major
- Nilotinib + Tinidazole Major
- Amiodarone + Tinidazole Moderate
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 Tinidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ritonavir and Tinidazole 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 oral solution contains ethanol, and tinidazole can provoke a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol, causing flushing, vomiting, tachycardia and headache. The risk is tied to the alcohol-containing liquid formulation rather than ritonavir itself.
How serious is the interaction between Ritonavir and Tinidazole?
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 ritonavir oral solution during tinidazole treatment and for 3 days after; use ritonavir tablets or another formulation if coadministration is needed.
What other medicines interact with Tinidazole?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tinidazole with, for example, Disulfiram, Ethanol, Fexinidazole. The full list is on the Tinidazole page.
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