Drug interactions
Ergotamine + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Ergotamine 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 is a CYP3A4 inducer, although weaker than rifampicin, and may lower ergotamine concentrations. Reduced antimigraine efficacy is the likely result and exposure may change when rifabutin is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ergotamine 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.
Ergotamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4, increasing ergotamine clearance.
What to do
Use a non-ergot alternative for migraine during rifabutin therapy. If ergotamine is continued, monitor response and avoid dose escalation.
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 Ergotamine
- Almotriptan + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Ergotamine Contraindicated
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 Ergotamine with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ergotamine 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 is a CYP3A4 inducer, although weaker than rifampicin, and may lower ergotamine concentrations. Reduced antimigraine efficacy is the likely result and exposure may change when rifabutin is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Ergotamine 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: Use a non-ergot alternative for migraine during rifabutin therapy. If ergotamine is continued, monitor response and avoid dose escalation.
What other medicines interact with Ergotamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ergotamine with, for example, Almotriptan, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin. The full list is on the Ergotamine page.
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