Drug interactions
Mefloquine + Rifapentine
Severity: Major
Mefloquine and Rifapentine: 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
Rifapentine is a CYP3A4 inducer and may reduce mefloquine exposure, risking inadequate malaria prevention or treatment. The effect is expected to be similar to rifampin though somewhat weaker.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefloquine 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.
Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by rifapentine increases mefloquine metabolism.
What to do
Avoid co-administration if possible and select an alternative antimalarial. If unavoidable, monitor for malaria breakthrough.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
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 Mefloquine with Rifapentine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Mefloquine 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 a CYP3A4 inducer and may reduce mefloquine exposure, risking inadequate malaria prevention or treatment. The effect is expected to be similar to rifampin though somewhat weaker.
How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine 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 co-administration if possible and select an alternative antimalarial. If unavoidable, monitor for malaria breakthrough.
What other medicines interact with Mefloquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Mefloquine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dronedarone, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Mefloquine page.
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