Lopinavir and ritonavir and Methadone interaction

Lopinavir and ritonavir and Methadone: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.

Major

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

Major

…Hepatitis C direct acting antiviral: elbasvir/grazoprevir HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors: lovastatin, simvastatin Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) Inhibitor: lomitapide Non-opioid Analgesic (selective blocker of Nav1.8 sodium channels): suzetrigine PDE5 Inhibitor: sildenafil (Revatio ® ) when used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension Sedative/Hypnotics:…

Contraindicationsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Avoid use in patients with congenital long QT syndrome, those with hypokalemia, and with other drugs that prolong the QT interval.

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Postmarketing life-threatening cases of cardiac toxicity (including complete AV block, bradycardia, and cardiomyopathy), lactic acidosis, acute renal failure, CNS depression and respiratory complications leading to death have been reported, predominantly in preterm neonates receiving KALETRA oral solution.

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Sedative/Hypnotics: triazolam, orally administered midazolam ↑ triazolam ↑ midazolam Contraindicated due to potential for prolonged or increased sedation or respiratory depression [see Contraindications ( 4 )] .

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Moderate

…potential risks, infants should be monitored closely for increases in serum osmolality and serum creatinine, and for toxicity related to KALETRA oral solution including: hyperosmolality, with or without lactic acidosis, renal toxicity, CNS depression (including stupor, coma, and apnea), seizures, hypotonia, cardiac arrhythmias and ECG changes, and hemolysis.

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

From the Methadone (METHADOSE) label · effective 2026-04-27

Major

Interactions with Drugs Affecting Cytochrome P450 Isoenzymes The concomitant use of METHADOSE with all cytochrome P450 3A4, 2B6, 2C19, 2C9 or 2D6 inhibitors may result in an increase in methadone plasma concentrations, which could cause potentially fatal respiratory depression.

Boxed warningby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Concomitant use with CYP3A4, 2B6, 2C19, 2C9 or 2D6 inhibitors or discontinuation of concomitantly used CYP3A4, 2B6, 2C19, or 2C9 inducers can result in a fatal overdose of methadone.

Boxed warningby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

…Cytochrome P450 3A4, 2B6, 2C19, 2C9, or 2D6 Inhibitors or Discontinuation of P450 3A4, 2B6, 2C19, or 2C9 Inducers Concomitant use of METHADOSE with CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, or CYP2D6 inhibitors, may increase plasma concentrations of methadone, prolong opioid adverse reactions, and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression, particularly when an inhibitor…

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

Similarly, discontinuation of concomitant CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, or CYP2C9 inducers in METHADOSE-treated patients may increase methadone plasma concentrations resulting in fatal respiratory depression.

Warnings and precautionsby drug classView label on DailyMed
Major

If a CYP3A4, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, or CYP2C9 inducer is discontinued, consider methadone dosage reduction and monitor for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.

Drug interactionsby drug classView label on DailyMed

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Not 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.