Drug interactions
Eltrombopag + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Eltrombopag 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 is a strong enzyme inducer and may lower eltrombopag exposure, potentially reducing platelet response. Eltrombopag inhibits OATP1B1 and may raise rifampin levels, though this is usually not clinically important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Eltrombopag 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 enzymes involved in eltrombopag clearance (CYP1A2, CYP2C9, UGT), while eltrombopag inhibits OATP1B1 uptake of rifampin.
What to do
Monitor platelet counts after starting or stopping rifampin and adjust the eltrombopag dose to maintain the target response. No rifampin dose change is routinely 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 Eltrombopag
- Alpelisib + Eltrombopag Moderate
- Aluminum hydroxide + Eltrombopag Moderate
- Amobarbital + Eltrombopag Moderate
- Artesunate + Eltrombopag Moderate
- Atazanavir + Eltrombopag Moderate
- Atorvastatin + Eltrombopag Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Eltrombopag with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Eltrombopag 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 is a strong enzyme inducer and may lower eltrombopag exposure, potentially reducing platelet response. Eltrombopag inhibits OATP1B1 and may raise rifampin levels, though this is usually not clinically important.
How serious is the interaction between Eltrombopag 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 platelet counts after starting or stopping rifampin and adjust the eltrombopag dose to maintain the target response. No rifampin dose change is routinely needed.
What other medicines interact with Eltrombopag?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Eltrombopag with, for example, Alpelisib, Aluminum hydroxide, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Eltrombopag page.
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