Drug interactions
Modafinil + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Modafinil and Rifampin: 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
Rifampin is a potent enzyme inducer and can lower modafinil exposure. Reduced concentrations may weaken the wakefulness-promoting effect in patients treated for sleepiness.
What this interaction means in plain words
Modafinil and Rifampin 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.
Why it happens
Rifampin induces CYP3A4, which contributes to modafinil clearance, increasing its metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for loss of wakefulness benefit when rifampin is started and consider a modafinil dose increase if needed. Reassess the dose when rifampin 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 Modafinil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Modafinil with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Modafinil and Rifampin 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. Rifampin is a potent enzyme inducer and can lower modafinil exposure. Reduced concentrations may weaken the wakefulness-promoting effect in patients treated for sleepiness.
How serious is the interaction between Modafinil and Rifampin?
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 for loss of wakefulness benefit when rifampin is started and consider a modafinil dose increase if needed. Reassess the dose when rifampin is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Modafinil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Modafinil with, for example, Lenacapavir, Leniolisib, Lorlatinib. The full list is on the Modafinil page.
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