Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmD
Last updated on 5/24/2024

Drug Information | Side Effects | Use & Dosage | Request a Prescription

The use of Paxlovid can lead to various side effects in some individuals.

Common mild side effects of Paxlovid use include:

• Changes in taste
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Headache
  
• Vomiting
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Nausea
  
• High blood pressure
  
  

More severe side effects of Paxlovid use can include:

• Allergic reaction: Symptoms include skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling, hoarseness
  
• Liver problems: Symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-colored urine, pale stools, stomach pain, and itchy skin
  
  

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking Paxlovid, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Tell your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking before starting treatment with Paxlovid. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with Paxlovid.

Tell your provider if you are taking these medications or supplements:

• Alpha-Blockers: Alfuzosin, Silodosin
  
• Antiarrhythmics: Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Flecainide, Propafenone, Quinidine
  
• Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Primidone, divalproex sodium
  
• Antifungals: N/A (specific drug not listed, but some drugs in the list interact with this class)
  
• Antipsychotics: Lurasidone, Pimozide, aripiprazole, olanzapine
  
• Blood pressure medications: Amlodipine
  
• CYP3A4 Inducers: Rifampin, Rifapentine, St. John's Wort
  
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Apalutamide, Itraconazole (inferred from interactions)
  
• Ergot Derivatives: Dihydroergotamine, Ergotamine, Methylergonovine
  
• HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins): Lovastatin, Simvastatin
  
• Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists: Eplerenone, Finerenone
  
• PDE5 Inhibitors: Sildenafil (Revatio® for pulmonary arterial hypertension)
  
• Sedatives/Hypnotics: Midazolam (oral), Triazolam, alprazolam
  
• Selective Serotonin Antagonists: Eletriptan
  
• Others: Colchicine, Flibanserin, Ivabradine, Lomitapide, Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor, Naloxegol, Ranolazine, Tolvaptan, Ubrogepant, Voclosporin, tolterodine, tramadol, tacrolimus
  
  

You should also mention medical conditions such as:

• HIV
  
• Liver disease
  
• Kidney disease
  
  

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using Paxlovid to assess potential risks and benefits.

Take Paxlovid exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency of use.

Paxlovid may cause side effects such as taste alteration, diarrhea, or high blood pressure, so monitor your health and report any severe or persistent symptoms to your doctor. It's important to complete the full course of the medication even if you start to feel better.

In case of a Paxlovid overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include increased severity of side effects such as liver problems, kidney issues, or severe gastrointestinal symptoms. If you suspect an overdose, contact the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or call emergency services.