Drug interactions
Clozapine + Rufinamide
Severity: Minor
Clozapine and Rufinamide: minor 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
Rufinamide is a weak inducer of CYP3A4, which contributes modestly to clozapine clearance. Clozapine exposure may fall slightly, which could reduce antipsychotic control in a stable patient. The effect is generally small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clozapine and Rufinamide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Clozapine belongs to Central Nervous System; Rufinamide belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Weak CYP3A4 induction by rufinamide may modestly increase clozapine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor psychiatric response when rufinamide is started or stopped, and check a clozapine plasma level if relapse or toxicity is suspected.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Rufinamide
- Carbamazepine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol + Rufinamide Moderate
- Dronedarone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Esketamine + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Rufinamide Moderate
- Ethinyl estradiol-levonorgestrel + Rufinamide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clozapine with Rufinamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clozapine and Rufinamide have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Rufinamide is a weak inducer of CYP3A4, which contributes modestly to clozapine clearance. Clozapine exposure may fall slightly, which could reduce antipsychotic control in a stable patient. The effect is generally small.
How serious is the interaction between Clozapine and Rufinamide?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor psychiatric response when rufinamide is started or stopped, and check a clozapine plasma level if relapse or toxicity is suspected.
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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