Drug interactions
Brivaracetam + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Brivaracetam and Rifampin: 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
Rifampin lowers brivaracetam plasma concentrations, which may reduce seizure control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brivaracetam and Rifampin 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.
Why it happens
Induction of enzymes (including CYP2C19 and hydrolysis pathways) increasing brivaracetam clearance.
What to do
Increase the brivaracetam dose, up to double, during rifampin therapy and reduce it again after rifampin is stopped; monitor seizure control.
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 Brivaracetam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brivaracetam with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brivaracetam and Rifampin 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. Rifampin lowers brivaracetam plasma concentrations, which may reduce seizure control.
How serious is the interaction between Brivaracetam and Rifampin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Increase the brivaracetam dose, up to double, during rifampin therapy and reduce it again after rifampin is stopped; monitor seizure control.
What other medicines interact with Brivaracetam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Brivaracetam with, for example, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen, Sodium oxybate, Acetaminophen / phenyltoloxamine. The full list is on the Brivaracetam page.
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