Drug interactions
Digoxin + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Digoxin 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 may lower digoxin concentrations and reduce its effect, though this is better documented for rifampicin. Loss of rate control or heart failure benefit is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Digoxin 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.
Digoxin belongs to Cardiovascular; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces intestinal P-glycoprotein and metabolic enzymes, which may decrease digoxin absorption and increase its clearance, though less strongly than rifampicin.
What to do
Monitor digoxin levels and clinical response when rifabutin is started or stopped. Titrate the digoxin dose as needed.
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 Digoxin
- Digoxin + Lily of the valley Contraindicated
- Digoxin + Squill Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Digoxin Major
- Amiodarone + Digoxin Major
- Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan + Digoxin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Digoxin Major
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 Digoxin with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Digoxin 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 may lower digoxin concentrations and reduce its effect, though this is better documented for rifampicin. Loss of rate control or heart failure benefit is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Digoxin 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 digoxin levels and clinical response when rifabutin is started or stopped. Titrate the digoxin dose as needed.
What other medicines interact with Digoxin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Digoxin with, for example, Lily of the valley, Squill, Adagrasib. The full list is on the Digoxin page.
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