Drug interactions
Diazepam + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam 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, which can lower diazepam and desmethyldiazepam concentrations and weaken therapeutic effect. The induction is weaker than with rifampicin but can still be relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam 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.
Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by rifabutin increases diazepam clearance.
What to do
Monitor for reduced diazepam effect and titrate the dose upward as needed. Consider lorazepam if reliable benzodiazepine effect is required.
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 Diazepam
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 Diazepam with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam 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, which can lower diazepam and desmethyldiazepam concentrations and weaken therapeutic effect. The induction is weaker than with rifampicin but can still be relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam 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 for reduced diazepam effect and titrate the dose upward as needed. Consider lorazepam if reliable benzodiazepine effect is required.
What other medicines interact with Diazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Diazepam page.
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