Drug interactions
Clopidogrel + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Clopidogrel 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 induces CYP enzymes and may increase formation of the active metabolite of clopidogrel, enhancing platelet inhibition. This may raise bleeding risk, although rifabutin is a weaker inducer than rifampin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clopidogrel 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.
Clopidogrel belongs to Cardiovascular; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Enzyme induction (CYP3A4 and others) increases bioactivation of clopidogrel.
What to do
Monitor for bleeding signs during coadministration and after changes in rifabutin therapy.
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 Clopidogrel
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 Clopidogrel with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clopidogrel 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 induces CYP enzymes and may increase formation of the active metabolite of clopidogrel, enhancing platelet inhibition. This may raise bleeding risk, although rifabutin is a weaker inducer than rifampin.
How serious is the interaction between Clopidogrel 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: Monitor for bleeding signs during coadministration and after changes in rifabutin therapy.
What other medicines interact with Clopidogrel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clopidogrel with, for example, Ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir and dasabuvir, Abrocitinib, Acetylsalicylic acid. The full list is on the Clopidogrel page.
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