Does Ribavirin Interact with Zidovudine?
Ribavirin and Zidovudine have a contraindicated drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Antagonizes in vitro antiviral activity of zidovudine against HIV-1; concomitant use should be avoided. Also increases hematologic toxicity. The mechanism involves antagonizes antiviral activity; bone marrow suppression. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Contraindicated
- Ribavirin Class
- Nucleoside Analog Antiviral
- Zidovudine Class
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Ribavirin and Zidovudine occurs because antagonizes antiviral activity; bone marrow suppression. Clinically, this means antagonizes in vitro antiviral activity of zidovudine against hiv-1; concomitant use should be avoided. also increases hematologic toxicity. Because of the severity of this interaction, these medications are contraindicated — meaning they should not be taken together under any circumstances. If you are currently taking both, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss alternatives.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Ribavirin and your doctor is considering prescribing Zidovudine (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask about alternative medications that do not interact with your current regimen
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider