Drug interactions
Montelukast + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Montelukast 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 induces the enzymes that clear montelukast and lowers its plasma concentrations. This may reduce control of asthma or allergic symptoms, though the clinical impact has not been well characterized.
What this interaction means in plain words
Montelukast 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, CYP2C8 and CYP2C9, increasing montelukast metabolism.
What to do
Monitor asthma control during and after rifampin therapy and consider alternative or additional controller therapy if symptoms worsen.
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 Montelukast
- Apalutamide + Montelukast Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Montelukast Moderate
- Deferasirox + Montelukast Moderate
- Enzalutamide + Montelukast Moderate
- Fosphenytoin + Montelukast Moderate
- Gemfibrozil + Montelukast Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Montelukast with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Montelukast 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 induces the enzymes that clear montelukast and lowers its plasma concentrations. This may reduce control of asthma or allergic symptoms, though the clinical impact has not been well characterized.
How serious is the interaction between Montelukast 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 asthma control during and after rifampin therapy and consider alternative or additional controller therapy if symptoms worsen.
What other medicines interact with Montelukast?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Montelukast with, for example, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine, Deferasirox. The full list is on the Montelukast page.
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