Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) - Norvir (Ritonavir) Interaction

Herbal: Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl)
Also Known As: 2-3 dihydro furanone

Drug: Ritonavir
Brand names: Norvir

Medical Content Editor
Last updated Jul 22, 2023

Interaction Details

Ritonavir is classified as belonging to the following category: Ritonavir (Norvir)

Concomitant use of GBL with ritonavir may potentiate adverse effects.
GBL is metabolized to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Concomitant use of a small dose of GHB with the antiretroviral drugs ritonavir and saquinavir reportedly caused a near-fatal reaction, likely due to inhibition of GHB metabolism.

Interaction Rating

Moderate

Likelihood of Occurrence

Possible

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

References

  • Harrington RD, Woodward JA, Hooton TM, et al. Life-threatening interactions between HIV-1 protease inhibitors and the illicit drugs MDMA and gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Arch Intern Med 1999;159:2221-4.

Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) Overview

Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) Gamma butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical compound found in a wide range of industrial products, including cleaning solutions and nail varnish. Its main use is as a solvent and reagent. If consumed, GBL is metabolized to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a potent sedative that can produce relaxation, euphoria and hallucinations. GHB is commonly known as the 'date-rape drug'. The use of GBL for medicinal purposes is not recommended. GBL is federally classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, making its production, sale, and possession illegal.
See More Information Regarding Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl)

Ritonavir Overview

  • Ritonavir is used along with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Ritonavir is in a class of medications called protease inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of HIV in the blood. Although ritonavir does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of transmitting the HIV virus to other people.

See More Information Regarding Ritonavir

Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) - More Interactions

Gamma Butyrolactone (gbl) interacts with 268 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.

Major The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur.
Moderate Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur.
Minor Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction.
Unknown No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available.

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!

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