Drug interactions
Ivacaftor + Rifampicin
Severity: Major
Ivacaftor and Rifampicin: 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
Rifampicin greatly reduces ivacaftor exposure, which may eliminate its therapeutic effect on CFTR function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ivacaftor and Rifampicin 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.
Ivacaftor belongs to Miscellaneous; Rifampicin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A induction by rifampicin increases ivacaftor clearance.
What to do
Avoid coadministration. Consider alternative antimycobacterial therapy where possible.
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 Ivacaftor
- Ensitrelvir + Ivacaftor Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Ivacaftor Major
- Carbamazepine + Ivacaftor Major
- Clarithromycin + Ivacaftor Major
- Efavirenz + Ivacaftor Major
- Enzalutamide + Ivacaftor Major
Other interactions of Rifampicin
- Cabotegravir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Delamanid + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Ensitrelvir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Fostemsavir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Isavuconazole + Rifampicin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ivacaftor with Rifampicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ivacaftor and Rifampicin 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. Rifampicin greatly reduces ivacaftor exposure, which may eliminate its therapeutic effect on CFTR function.
How serious is the interaction between Ivacaftor and Rifampicin?
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 coadministration. Consider alternative antimycobacterial therapy where possible.
What other medicines interact with Ivacaftor?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ivacaftor with, for example, Ensitrelvir, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Ivacaftor page.
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