Table 11. Drug interactions between protease inhibitors and other drugs; drug interactions requiring dose modifications

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Drug Interactions Requiring Dose Modifications

Indinavir
Ritonavir
Saquinavir*
Nelfinavir
Fluconazole
No dose change No dose change No data No dose change
Ketoconazole and Itraconazole
Decrease dose to 600 mg q8h Increases ketoconazole >3 fold; dose adjustment required Increases saquinavir levels 3-fold; no dose change No dose change
Rifabutin
Reduce rifabutin to half dose: 150 mg qd Consider Alternative drug or reduce rifabutin dose to one quarter Not Recommended with either Invirase or Fortovase Reduce rifabutin to half dose: 150 mg qd
Rifampin
Contraindicated Unknown*** Not recommended with either Invirase or Fortovase Contraindicated
Oral Contraceptives
Modest increase Ortho-Novum levels; no dose change Ethinyl estradiol levels decreased; use alternative or additional contraceptive method No data Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone levels decreased; use alternative or additional contraceptive method
Miscellaneous
Grapefruit juice reduces indinavir levels by 26% -Desipramine increased 145%: reduce dose
-Theophylline levels decreased: dose increase
Grapefruit juice increases saquinavir levels**

 

* Several drug interaction studies have been completed with saquinavir given as INVIRASE or FORTOVASE. Results from studies conducted with INVIRASE may not be applicable to FORTOVASE.

** Conducted with INVIRASE

*** Rifampin reduces ritonavir 35%. Increases ritonavir dose or use of ritonavir in combination therapy is strongly recommended. The effect of ritonavir on rifampin is unknown. Used concurrently, there may be increased liver toxicity. Therefore, patients on ritonavir and rifampin should be monitored closely.