Drug interactions
Saquinavir + Tramadol
Severity: Moderate
Saquinavir and Tramadol: 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
Saquinavir, given with ritonavir boosting, inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise tramadol concentrations. This may increase opioid and serotonergic adverse effects and seizure risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Saquinavir and Tramadol 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated N-demethylation of tramadol.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression, serotonergic symptoms and seizures, and reduce the tramadol dose if they occur.
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 Tramadol
- Isocarboxazid + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Tramadol Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Tramadol Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Saquinavir with Tramadol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Saquinavir and Tramadol 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. Saquinavir, given with ritonavir boosting, inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise tramadol concentrations. This may increase opioid and serotonergic adverse effects and seizure risk.
How serious is the interaction between Saquinavir and Tramadol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression, serotonergic symptoms and seizures, and reduce the tramadol dose if they occur.
What other medicines interact with Tramadol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tramadol with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Tramadol page.
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