Drug interactions
Etoposide + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Etoposide 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 lowers etoposide concentrations through enzyme and transporter induction. This may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etoposide 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 CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing etoposide elimination.
What to do
Avoid rifampin if an alternative antimicrobial is available. Otherwise monitor response closely.
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 Etoposide
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Etoposide Contraindicated
- Etoposide + Pentostatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Etoposide Major
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Etoposide Major
- Etoposide + Fingolimod Major
- Etoposide + Fosphenytoin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etoposide with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Etoposide 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 lowers etoposide concentrations through enzyme and transporter induction. This may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
How serious is the interaction between Etoposide 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: Avoid rifampin if an alternative antimicrobial is available. Otherwise monitor response closely.
What other medicines interact with Etoposide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etoposide with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Pentostatin, Cyclosporin. The full list is on the Etoposide page.
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