Drug interactions
Colchicine + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Colchicine 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 induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and can lower colchicine concentrations, reducing efficacy in gout or familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine dose requirements may increase during treatment and fall again after rifampin is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Colchicine 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 and P-glycoprotein by rifampin increases colchicine clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and adjust the colchicine dose if needed, or choose an alternative. Reassess dosing when 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 Colchicine
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Cyclosporine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ensitrelvir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Colchicine with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Colchicine 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 induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and can lower colchicine concentrations, reducing efficacy in gout or familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine dose requirements may increase during treatment and fall again after rifampin is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Colchicine 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 adjust the colchicine dose if needed, or choose an alternative. Reassess dosing when rifampin is discontinued to avoid toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Colchicine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colchicine with, for example, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Colchicine page.
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