Interaction Checker
Potential Interaction
Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)
Carbamazepine
Quality of Evidence: Very Low
Summary:
Lopinavir/ritonavir should not be administered once-daily in combination with carbamazepine. Coadministration may result in a marked decrease in concentrations of lopinavir/ritonavir and increased concentrations of carbamazepine. Monitor carbamazepine concentrations. An increase of lopinavir/ritonavir dosage may be envisaged, but has not been evaluated.
Description:
Serum concentrations of carbamazepine may be increased due to CYP3A inhibition by Kaletra. Concentrations of lopinavir may be decreased due to CYP3A induction by carbamazepine. Caution should be exercised in administering carbamazepine with lopinavir/ritonavir. Carbamazepine levels should be monitored when co-administering with lopinavir/ritonavir. When co-administered with carbamazepine an increase of Kaletra dosage may be envisaged. Dose adjustment has not been evaluated in clinical practice. Kaletra must not be administered once daily in combination with carbamazepine.
Kaletra Summary of Product Characteristics, AbbVie Ltd, January 2021.
Coadministration of anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, may result in decreased concentrations of lopinavir. Kaletra may be less effective due to decreased plasma concentrations in patients taking these agents concomitantly and should be used with caution. Kaletra ONCE DAILY in combination with carbamazepine is not recommended.
Kaletra Prescribing Information, AbbVie Inc, October 2020.
A case was reported of a 50 year HIV+ man who developed excessive drowsiness following the introduction of lopinavir/ritonavir and it was found that his serum carbamazepine concentration had increased by 46%. The protease inhibitor was changed to nelfinavir, but within 3 days excessive drowsiness had developed, this time with an increase of 53% in serum carbamazepine concentrations. Decreasing the carbamazepine dose by 33% resulted in the resolution of symptoms on both instances.
Carbamezepine toxicity induced by lopinavir/ritonavir and nelfinavir. Bates DE, Herman RJ. Ann Pharmacother, 2006, 40: 1190-1195.
View all available interactions with Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) by clicking here.
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