Drug interactions
Dapsone + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Dapsone 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 lowers dapsone plasma concentrations substantially, which may compromise treatment or prophylaxis. This is relevant in leprosy regimens, where the combination is common.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dapsone 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
Rifampin induces CYP3A4 and other enzymes, increasing dapsone clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response; for prophylaxis such as Pneumocystis, consider an alternative agent. Standard leprosy regimens are used with established dosing.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dapsone with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dapsone 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 lowers dapsone plasma concentrations substantially, which may compromise treatment or prophylaxis. This is relevant in leprosy regimens, where the combination is common.
How serious is the interaction between Dapsone 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; for prophylaxis such as Pneumocystis, consider an alternative agent. Standard leprosy regimens are used with established dosing.
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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