Ritonavir is predicted to raise the levels of a number of
benzodiazepines and related drugs, which would be expected to result in increased and prolonged sedation.
Clorazepate,
diazepam,
estazolam, and flurazepam are contraindicated by the UK manufacturer of
ritonavir, but cautioned by the US manufacturers of
ritonavir,
amprenavir, and fosamprenavir, and both the UK and US manufacturers of saquinavir: some advise that a reduction in the dose of these
benzodiazepines may be necessary. Alprazolam is contraindicated by the UK and US manufacturers of indinavir. The manufacturer of
ritonavir notes that
zolpidem may be given concurrently with careful monitoring for excessive sedative effects and consider- ation of reducing the dose of
zolpidem.