Heartburn Meds and HIV Drug Interactions

Do your heartburn drugs react with your HIV drugs?

Some of the most widely prescribed medications are those used to treat heartburn (GERD). Most are now available over the counter at your local pharmacy; some even in prescription strength. However, drugs for heartburn aren't without their precautions. Many have been found to interact with HIV medications, in most cases decreasing the effect of the HIV medication. But how do you know which are safe to take and which should be avoided. Below is a brief reminder of which heartburn drugs can be taken with which HIV medications.

Antacids
Examples:

• Maalox
• Mylanta
• Tums
• Rolaids

HIV meds that may have problems when taken with antacids include:

• Lexiva (fosamprenavir) - should be taken at least 1 hour apart from antacids
• Crixivan (indinavir) - should be taken at least 1 hour apart from antacids
• Rescriptor (delavirdine) - should be taken at least 1 hour apart from antacids
• Reyataz (atazanavir) - should be taken two hours before or one hour after antacids

H2 Blockers
Examples:

• Axid
• Pepcid
• Tagamet
• Zantac

HIV meds that should not be taken with H2 Blockers include:

• Crixivan (indinavir)
• Rescriptor (delavirdine)

HIV meds that may be taken with H2 Blockers but with caution include:

• Reyataz (atazanavir) - take at least 12 hours apart from H2 Blockers
• Lexiva (fosamprenavir) - may be used but with caution

Proton Pump Inhibitors
Examples:

• Aciphex
• Nexium
• Prevacid
• Protonix
• Prilosec

HIV meds that should not be taken with Proton Pump Inhibitors include:

• Crixivan (indinavir)
• Rescriptor (delavirdine)
• Reyataz (atazanavir)

HIV meds that may have problems when taken with proton pump inhibitors include:

• Lexiva (fosamprenavir) - can be used with Proton Pump Inhibitors but with caution

If you are taking any medications for heartburn or GERD; either prescription meds or over the counter, notify your doctor before starting any HIV medication regimen.

_{Source: "POZ Focus"; Drug Trafficking, Smart & Strong Publishers, 2005.}