Drug interactions
Methylprednisolone + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Methylprednisolone 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 CYP3A4 and can lower methylprednisolone concentrations, though less than rifampin. Reduced corticosteroid effect may occur.
What this interaction means in plain words
Methylprednisolone 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.
Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 induction by rifabutin increases methylprednisolone metabolism.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and increase the methylprednisolone dose if needed. Reassess the dose after rifabutin is stopped.
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 Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
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 Methylprednisolone with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Methylprednisolone 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 CYP3A4 and can lower methylprednisolone concentrations, though less than rifampin. Reduced corticosteroid effect may occur.
How serious is the interaction between Methylprednisolone 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 clinical response and increase the methylprednisolone dose if needed. Reassess the dose after rifabutin is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Methylprednisolone page.
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