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Does Gelusil impact HIV post-exposure prophylaxis?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Does Gelusil affect the efficacy of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) post-exposure prophylaxis?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Syrup Gelusil (Magnesium hydroxide and Aluminum hydroxide) does not affect the efficacy of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) prophylaxis.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have been taking Dolutegravir, Lamivudine, and Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate as an HIV post-exposure prophylaxis for the last 20 days. I have taken Gelusil on the fourteenth day for four days. Does this affect the efficacy of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis? I take Gelusil after food, and after an hour take HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. I heard that Dolutegravir interacts with Gelusil. Hence I am worried.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If you have been using a Dolutegravir (HIV integrase inhibitor) based regimen, it is preferable to take the tablet two hours before or six hours after the antacid Gelusil (Magnesium hydroxide and Aluminum hydroxide). Although the loss of efficacy is not substantial, it is preferred to be taken this way. However, since you had used it for only four days, the risk of loss of efficacy is not significant. You can avoid it in the future.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

I had unprotected sex with unknown HIV status, for which I am taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) as Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir for twenty days. On the twentieth day, I had unprotected exposure to the same person. Should I extend PEP or take it only for 28 days?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It is important to get your partner tested first. Ideally after one high-risk exposure, strict abstinence is advisable as determining the actual status becomes very difficult. Post-exposure prophylaxis needs to be continued for up to four weeks after the last exposure. Hence you have to extend the course.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At August 18, 2023
Reviewed AtJuly 9, 2025

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Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

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