Drug interactions
Saquinavir + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Saquinavir and Sertraline: 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
Saquinavir boosted with ritonavir prolongs the QT and PR intervals and carries a labeled warning regarding arrhythmia. Adding sertraline may further increase the risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Saquinavir and Sertraline 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.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization; saquinavir may also raise sertraline levels via CYP3A4 inhibition.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and avoid the pair in patients with long QT, bradycardia or hypokalemia. If used together, monitor ECG and electrolytes, or choose an alternative antidepressant or antiretroviral.
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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Saquinavir with Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Saquinavir and Sertraline 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. Saquinavir boosted with ritonavir prolongs the QT and PR intervals and carries a labeled warning regarding arrhythmia. Adding sertraline may further increase the risk of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Saquinavir and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and avoid the pair in patients with long QT, bradycardia or hypokalemia. If used together, monitor ECG and electrolytes, or choose an alternative antidepressant or antiretroviral.
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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