How to Access the Liverpool COVID-19 Drug Interaction Tool
The Liverpool COVID-19 drug interaction checker is freely available online at www.covid19-druginteractions.org and does not require downloading—it is a web-based tool accessible through any internet browser. 1, 2
Accessing the Tool
- Navigate directly to the website: Go to https://www.covid19-druginteractions.org/checker to access the interaction checker 1
- No software installation required: The tool operates entirely through your web browser, making it immediately accessible from any device with internet connectivity 2
- Alternative URL format: The tool is also referenced as www.hiv-druginteractions.org in some guidelines, as it was developed by the University of Liverpool's HIV Drug Interactions group 1
What the Tool Provides
- Comprehensive drug interaction screening: The database evaluates interactions between COVID-19 therapies (including lopinavir/ritonavir, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and others) and concomitant medications 2
- Risk stratification system: Interactions are color-coded as GREEN/YELLOW (no clinically significant interaction), AMBER (caution required), or RED (serious risk requiring intervention) 2
- Management recommendations: The tool provides specific guidance on dose adjustments, monitoring requirements, or alternative medication suggestions 1
Clinical Context for Use
- High-risk drug combinations: Lopinavir/ritonavir poses the greatest interaction risk (10% RED, 41% AMBER interactions), primarily through CYP3A4 inhibition and QT prolongation 2
- Common problematic pairs: Protease inhibitors frequently interact with medications for comorbidities including atorvastatin, alprazolam, tacrolimus, and opioids 3, 4
- Validation studies: The tool successfully identifies approximately 80% of clinically significant DDI-related adverse events reported in the literature, though consulting multiple interaction checkers is recommended for comprehensive assessment 4
Important Caveats
- Multiple checker consultation recommended: While the Liverpool tool is highly regarded, studies show that no single drug interaction checker identifies all potential DDIs—using 2-3 different checkers improves detection rates 4
- Clinical judgment required: The tool provides risk assessment but clinical decisions must account for individual patient factors, disease severity, and treatment urgency 2, 3
- Renal and hepatic considerations: The tool should be used in conjunction with assessment of organ function, as many COVID-19 therapies require dose adjustment in renal or hepatic impairment 5