Buspar and Kaletra

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Using busPIRone together with ritonavir may cause Parkinson-like symptoms. Contact your doctor if you experience poor muscle coordination, shuffling gait, rigidity, resting tremor, and sad affect with masked features. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

MONITOR: In one case report, the combination of ritonavir and buspirone was associated with development of Parkinson-like symptoms including ataxia, shuffling gait, cogwheel rigidity, resting tremor, and sad affect with masked features. The proposed mechanism of interaction is ritonavir inhibition of buspirone metabolism via CYP450 3A4, resulting in supratherapeutic levels of buspirone. The patient, an HIV-positive man, had been receiving buspirone 40 mg every morning and 30 mg every evening for 2 years prior to the introduction of ritonavir/indinavir combination therapy (400 mg/400 mg twice daily). The symptoms began 6 weeks after start of the combination and completely resolved 2 weeks after a reduction of buspirone dosage to 15 mg three times a day and substitution of ritonavir/indinavir with amprenavir (1200 mg twice daily). The patient continued to receive buspirone for an additional 12 months without further incident.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is recommended if buspirone is administered with ritonavir. Pharmacologic response to buspirone should be monitored more closely whenever ritonavir is added to or withdrawn from therapy, and the buspirone dosage adjusted as necessary. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience Parkinson-like or other extrapyramidal symptoms.

Buspar

Generic Name: buspirone

Brand name: Buspar, Buspar Dividose, Vanspar, Buspirex, Bustab, LinBuspirone

Synonyms: BuSpar

What is Buspar?

Kaletra

Generic Name: lopinavir / ritonavir

Brand name: Kaletra

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Kaletra?