Drug interactions
Valproic acid + Zidovudine
Severity: Moderate
Valproic acid and Zidovudine: 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
Valproic acid can raise zidovudine concentrations, increasing the risk of dose-related adverse effects such as anemia, neutropenia, nausea and myopathy. The effect has been shown in pharmacokinetic studies.
What this interaction means in plain words
Valproic acid and Zidovudine 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.
Valproic acid belongs to Central Nervous System; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Valproate inhibits glucuronidation of zidovudine, reducing its clearance.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts and for zidovudine toxicity symptoms. Reduce the zidovudine dose or choose an alternative if toxicity develops.
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 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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Valproic acid with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Valproic acid and Zidovudine 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. Valproic acid can raise zidovudine concentrations, increasing the risk of dose-related adverse effects such as anemia, neutropenia, nausea and myopathy. The effect has been shown in pharmacokinetic studies.
How serious is the interaction between Valproic acid and Zidovudine?
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 complete blood counts and for zidovudine toxicity symptoms. Reduce the zidovudine dose or choose an alternative if toxicity develops.
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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