Ergotamine and caffeine and Lopinavir and ritonavir interaction
Ergotamine and caffeine and Lopinavir and ritonavir: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Lopinavir and ritonavir (Kaletra) label · effective 2026-07-23
Alpha 1- Adrenoreceptor Antagonist: alfuzosin Antianginal: ranolazine Antiarrhythmic: dronedarone Anti-gout: colchicine Antipsychotics: lurasidone, pimozide Ergot Derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine GI Motility Agent: cisapride Hepatitis C direct acting antiviral: elbasvir/grazoprevir HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: lovastatin, simvastatin…
Ergot Derivatives: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine ↑ ergot derivatives Contraindicated due to potential for acute ergot toxicity characterized by peripheral vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities and other tissues [see Contraindications ( 4 )] .
From the Ergotamine and caffeine (Cafergot) label · effective 2026-03-23
WARNING Serious and/or life-threatening peripheral ischemia has been associated with the coadministration of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine tablets with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors including protease inhibitors and macrolide antibiotics.
CONTRAINDICATIONS Coadministration of ergotamine with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and troleandomycin) has been associated with acute ergot toxicity (ergotism) characterized by vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities (see PRECAUTIONS : Drug Interactions ), with some cases resulting in amputation.
There have been rare reports of cerebral ischemia in patients on protease inhibitor therapy when ergotamine tartrate and caffeine tablets was coadministered, at least one resulting in death.
Because of the increased risk of ergotism and other serious vasospastic adverse events, ergotamine use is contraindicated with these drugs and other potent inhibitors of CYP 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) (see WARNINGS : CYP 3A4 Inhibitors ).
While these reactions have not been reported with less potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors, there is a potential risk for serious toxicity including vasospasm when these drugs are used with ergotamine.
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Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.