Drug interactions
Trimethoprim + Zidovudine
Severity: Minor
Trimethoprim and Zidovudine: minor 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
Trimethoprim, particularly at higher doses, can raise zidovudine exposure modestly. This may increase the risk of zidovudine-related haematological toxicity such as anaemia and neutropenia, which is relevant because both drugs can affect bone marrow.
What this interaction means in plain words
Trimethoprim and Zidovudine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Trimethoprim belongs to Anti Bacterial; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Trimethoprim is thought to reduce renal tubular secretion of zidovudine and its glucuronide metabolite by competing for renal transport.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed with standard trimethoprim doses; monitor complete blood counts, especially with high-dose or prolonged trimethoprim therapy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Zidovudine
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Stavudine + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Carboplatin + Zidovudine Major
- Cisplatin + Zidovudine Major
Other interactions of Trimethoprim
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Trimethoprim with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Trimethoprim and Zidovudine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Trimethoprim, particularly at higher doses, can raise zidovudine exposure modestly. This may increase the risk of zidovudine-related haematological toxicity such as anaemia and neutropenia, which is relevant because both drugs can affect bone marrow.
How serious is the interaction between Trimethoprim and Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed with standard trimethoprim doses; monitor complete blood counts, especially with high-dose or prolonged trimethoprim therapy.
What other medicines interact with Zidovudine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zidovudine with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Stavudine, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Zidovudine page.
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