Drug interactions
Clozapine + Rifapentine
Severity: Moderate
Clozapine and Rifapentine: 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
Rifapentine induces hepatic enzymes and may lower clozapine concentrations, risking loss of efficacy and psychotic relapse. The effect resembles that of rifampicin, though the induction is somewhat weaker.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clozapine and Rifapentine 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.
Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 and likely CYP1A2 increases clozapine clearance.
What to do
Monitor psychiatric response and consider clozapine plasma levels during and after rifapentine therapy. Adjust the dose accordingly and reduce it again after the inducer 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 Clozapine
- Clozapine + Deferiprone Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Clozapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acalabrutinib + Clozapine Major
- Adagrasib + Clozapine Major
Other interactions of Rifapentine
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ranolazine + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clozapine with Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clozapine and Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine induces hepatic enzymes and may lower clozapine concentrations, risking loss of efficacy and psychotic relapse. The effect resembles that of rifampicin, though the induction is somewhat weaker.
How serious is the interaction between Clozapine and Rifapentine?
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 psychiatric response and consider clozapine plasma levels during and after rifapentine therapy. Adjust the dose accordingly and reduce it again after the inducer is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Clozapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clozapine with, for example, Deferiprone, Irinotecan, Pimozide. The full list is on the Clozapine page.
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