Drug interactions
Irinotecan + Rifapentine
Severity: Major
Irinotecan and Rifapentine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Rifapentine is an inducer of CYP3A4 and may reduce irinotecan and SN-38 exposure. Rifampicin has shown such effects, and reduced efficacy is a concern.
What this interaction means in plain words
Irinotecan and Rifapentine 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.
Irinotecan belongs to Oncology; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 increases metabolic clearance of irinotecan.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible by choosing alternative antimicrobial therapy. If unavoidable, monitor tumour response.
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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References
Other interactions of Irinotecan
- Clozapine + Irinotecan Contraindicated
- Irinotecan + Sacituzumab govitecan Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Irinotecan Major
- Apalutamide + Irinotecan Major
- Atazanavir + Irinotecan Major
- Carbamazepine + Irinotecan Major
Other interactions of Rifapentine
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ranolazine + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Irinotecan with Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Irinotecan and Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine is an inducer of CYP3A4 and may reduce irinotecan and SN-38 exposure. Rifampicin has shown such effects, and reduced efficacy is a concern.
How serious is the interaction between Irinotecan and Rifapentine?
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 if possible by choosing alternative antimicrobial therapy. If unavoidable, monitor tumour response.
What other medicines interact with Irinotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Irinotecan with, for example, Clozapine, Sacituzumab govitecan, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Irinotecan page.
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