Drug interactions
Dapsone + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Dapsone 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 CYP3A4 and can lower dapsone concentrations, risking reduced prophylactic efficacy. This is particularly relevant in HIV patients taking dapsone for PCP prophylaxis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dapsone 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.
Dapsone belongs to Anti Bacterial; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by rifabutin increases dapsone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and consider alternative prophylaxis if breakthrough infection is a concern.
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 Dapsone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dapsone Major
- Dapsone + Primaquine Major
- Apalutamide + Dapsone Moderate
- Belzutifan + Dapsone Moderate
- Bosentan + Dapsone Moderate
- Bupivacaine implant + Dapsone Moderate
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 Dapsone with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dapsone 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 CYP3A4 and can lower dapsone concentrations, risking reduced prophylactic efficacy. This is particularly relevant in HIV patients taking dapsone for PCP prophylaxis.
How serious is the interaction between Dapsone 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 clinical response and consider alternative prophylaxis if breakthrough infection is a concern.
What other medicines interact with Dapsone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dapsone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Primaquine, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Dapsone page.
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