Drug interactions
Atovaquone + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Atovaquone and Rifabutin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Rifabutin lowers atovaquone concentrations, which may result in treatment failure or inadequate prophylaxis. The effect is smaller than with rifampin but still relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atovaquone and Rifabutin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Atovaquone belongs to Anti Parasitic; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces hepatic metabolic enzymes and glucuronidation, increasing atovaquone clearance.
What to do
Avoid if possible or monitor clinical response and consider atovaquone levels where available. Choose an alternative agent for prophylaxis or treatment if response is inadequate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Atovaquone
- Atovaquone + Rifampin Major
- Atovaquone + Efavirenz Moderate
- Atovaquone + Metoclopramide Moderate
- Atovaquone + Warfarin Moderate
- Atovaquone + Indinavir Minor
- Atovaquone + Metoclopramide intranasal Minor
Other interactions of Rifabutin
- Cabotegravir + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifabutin Contraindicated
- Rifabutin + Voriconazole Contraindicated
- Apixaban + Rifabutin Major
- Axitinib + Rifabutin Major
- Brexpiprazole + Rifabutin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atovaquone with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atovaquone and Rifabutin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Rifabutin lowers atovaquone concentrations, which may result in treatment failure or inadequate prophylaxis. The effect is smaller than with rifampin but still relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Atovaquone and Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible or monitor clinical response and consider atovaquone levels where available. Choose an alternative agent for prophylaxis or treatment if response is inadequate.
What other medicines interact with Atovaquone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Atovaquone with, for example, Rifampin, Efavirenz, Metoclopramide. The full list is on the Atovaquone page.
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