Drug interactions
Gliclazide + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Gliclazide 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 induces hepatic enzymes and may speed up gliclazide clearance, lowering its plasma levels. This can reduce glycemic control. Glucose may rise after starting rifabutin, and hypoglycemia may occur after it is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Gliclazide 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.
Gliclazide belongs to Endocrine; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces CYP enzymes (including CYP2C9 and CYP2C19) involved in gliclazide metabolism, though it is a weaker inducer than rifampicin.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose when starting or stopping rifabutin and increase the gliclazide dose if needed. Lower the dose again after rifabutin is withdrawn.
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 Gliclazide
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 Gliclazide with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Gliclazide 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 induces hepatic enzymes and may speed up gliclazide clearance, lowering its plasma levels. This can reduce glycemic control. Glucose may rise after starting rifabutin, and hypoglycemia may occur after it is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Gliclazide 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: Monitor blood glucose when starting or stopping rifabutin and increase the gliclazide dose if needed. Lower the dose again after rifabutin is withdrawn.
What other medicines interact with Gliclazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Gliclazide with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Gliclazide page.
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