Drug interactions
Ritonavir + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Ritonavir and Zolpidem: 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 is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise zolpidem exposure, increasing sedation, confusion and psychomotor impairment. The increase is clinically relevant but usually manageable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ritonavir and Zolpidem 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; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Ritonavir inhibits CYP3A4, reducing zolpidem clearance.
What to do
Start with the lowest zolpidem dose and monitor for excessive sedation and next-day impairment; reduce the dose or choose an alternative hypnotic if needed.
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 Zolpidem
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 Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ritonavir and Zolpidem 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 is a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise zolpidem exposure, increasing sedation, confusion and psychomotor impairment. The increase is clinically relevant but usually manageable.
How serious is the interaction between Ritonavir and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start with the lowest zolpidem dose and monitor for excessive sedation and next-day impairment; reduce the dose or choose an alternative hypnotic if needed.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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