Drug interactions
Saquinavir + Ziprasidone
Severity: Contraindicated
Saquinavir and Ziprasidone: contraindicated 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, usually boosted with ritonavir, prolongs the QT and PR intervals and its labeling contraindicates use with other QT-prolonging drugs. Ziprasidone adds to this effect, and ritonavir inhibition of CYP3A4 may modestly increase ziprasidone exposure. The result is a higher risk of torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Saquinavir and Ziprasidone are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible CYP3A4 inhibition by the boosted protease inhibitor raising ziprasidone levels.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose an antipsychotic with minimal QT effect, or an alternative antiretroviral. Obtain a baseline ECG and electrolytes if no alternative exists.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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Other interactions of Ziprasidone
- Amiodarone + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Saquinavir with Ziprasidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Saquinavir and Ziprasidone are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Saquinavir, usually boosted with ritonavir, prolongs the QT and PR intervals and its labeling contraindicates use with other QT-prolonging drugs. Ziprasidone adds to this effect, and ritonavir inhibition of CYP3A4 may modestly increase ziprasidone exposure. The result is a higher risk of torsades de pointes and cardiac arrest.
How serious is the interaction between Saquinavir and Ziprasidone?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose an antipsychotic with minimal QT effect, or an alternative antiretroviral. Obtain a baseline ECG and electrolytes if no alternative exists.
What other medicines interact with Ziprasidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ziprasidone with, for example, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Ziprasidone page.
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