Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Clomipramine 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 strongly induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce clomipramine concentrations, risking loss of antidepressant or antiobsessional effect. The induction develops over days and persists after rifampin is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine 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 CYP3A4, CYP1A2 and other enzymes by rifampin increases clomipramine clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and consider a higher clomipramine dose, guided by plasma levels. Reassess the dose after rifampin is discontinued to avoid toxicity.
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 Clomipramine
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clomipramine with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clomipramine 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 strongly induces hepatic enzymes and can reduce clomipramine concentrations, risking loss of antidepressant or antiobsessional effect. The induction develops over days and persists after rifampin is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine 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 consider a higher clomipramine dose, guided by plasma levels. Reassess the dose after rifampin is discontinued to avoid toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Clomipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clomipramine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Droperidol. The full list is on the Clomipramine page.
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