Drug interactions
Felodipine + Rifampin
Severity: Major
Felodipine and Rifampin: major 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 potent CYP3A4 inducer and dramatically lowers felodipine exposure. The antihypertensive effect may be largely lost.
What this interaction means in plain words
Felodipine and Rifampin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Induction of intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4 by rifampin accelerates felodipine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and use an antihypertensive not dependent on CYP3A4. If both are required, monitor blood pressure and increase the felodipine dose as needed, reassessing after rifampin is stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Felodipine
- Felodipine + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Felodipine Major
- Amifostine + Felodipine Major
- Apalutamide + Felodipine Major
- Atazanavir + Felodipine Major
- Carbamazepine + Felodipine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Felodipine with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Felodipine and Rifampin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Rifampin is a potent CYP3A4 inducer and dramatically lowers felodipine exposure. The antihypertensive effect may be largely lost.
How serious is the interaction between Felodipine and Rifampin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and use an antihypertensive not dependent on CYP3A4. If both are required, monitor blood pressure and increase the felodipine dose as needed, reassessing after rifampin is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Felodipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Felodipine with, for example, Itraconazole, Aldesleukin, Amifostine. The full list is on the Felodipine page.
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