Drug interactions
Doxorubicin + Rifabutin
Severity: Minor
Doxorubicin and Rifabutin: minor 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 P-glycoprotein, which could lower doxorubicin exposure. CYP3A4 is a minor elimination route for doxorubicin, so the effect is likely small. Rifabutin can also cause neutropenia, which may add to chemotherapy myelosuppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxorubicin and Rifabutin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Doxorubicin belongs to Oncology; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Enzyme and transporter induction by rifabutin, possibly lowering doxorubicin exposure.
What to do
No dose adjustment is routinely required; monitor blood counts and treatment response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Doxorubicin
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 Doxorubicin with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Doxorubicin and Rifabutin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which could lower doxorubicin exposure. CYP3A4 is a minor elimination route for doxorubicin, so the effect is likely small. Rifabutin can also cause neutropenia, which may add to chemotherapy myelosuppression.
How serious is the interaction between Doxorubicin and Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose adjustment is routinely required; monitor blood counts and treatment response.
What other medicines interact with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxorubicin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Doxorubicin page.
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