Drug interactions
Bupropion + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Bupropion 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 induces CYP2B6 and markedly lowers bupropion exposure, which may reduce its antidepressant or smoking cessation efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bupropion 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
Rifampin induction of CYP2B6 increases bupropion clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and increase the bupropion dose if needed, not exceeding the maximum labeled dose. Reassess the dose when rifampin is stopped.
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 Bupropion
- Bupropion + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Bupropion + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bupropion with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bupropion 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 induces CYP2B6 and markedly lowers bupropion exposure, which may reduce its antidepressant or smoking cessation efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Bupropion 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: Monitor clinical response and increase the bupropion dose if needed, not exceeding the maximum labeled dose. Reassess the dose when rifampin is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Bupropion?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Bupropion with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Bupropion page.
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