Drug interactions
Ceritinib + Rifampicin
Severity: Major
Ceritinib and Rifampicin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Rifampicin is a strong CYP3A inducer and lowers ceritinib plasma concentrations. Reduced exposure may lead to loss of antitumour efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceritinib and Rifampicin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ceritinib belongs to Oncology; Rifampicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 (and P-gp) increases the metabolic clearance of ceritinib.
What to do
Avoid concomitant use and choose an antimycobacterial or alternative regimen without strong CYP3A induction where possible. If unavoidable, ceritinib dose increase should follow label guidance with monitoring of response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Ceritinib
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
Other interactions of Rifampicin
- Cabotegravir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Delamanid + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Ensitrelvir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Fostemsavir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Isavuconazole + Rifampicin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ceritinib with Rifampicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Rifampicin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Rifampicin is a strong CYP3A inducer and lowers ceritinib plasma concentrations. Reduced exposure may lead to loss of antitumour efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Rifampicin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concomitant use and choose an antimycobacterial or alternative regimen without strong CYP3A induction where possible. If unavoidable, ceritinib dose increase should follow label guidance with monitoring of response.
What other medicines interact with Ceritinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ceritinib with, for example, Cisapride, Eletriptan, Flibanserin. The full list is on the Ceritinib page.
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