Drug interactions
Nimodipine + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Nimodipine 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 may lower nimodipine concentrations, potentially reducing its clinical effect. The induction is weaker than with rifampicin but can still be relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Nimodipine 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.
Nimodipine belongs to Cardiovascular; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4, increasing nimodipine metabolism and reducing bioavailability.
What to do
Monitor for reduced nimodipine effect, including blood pressure control or neurological outcome, and increase the dose if needed. Reassess the dose when 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 Nimodipine
- Apalutamide + Nimodipine Major
- Carbamazepine + Nimodipine Major
- Ceritinib + Nimodipine Major
- Clarithromycin + Nimodipine Major
- Cobicistat + Nimodipine Major
- Darunavir + Nimodipine Major
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 Nimodipine with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Nimodipine 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 may lower nimodipine concentrations, potentially reducing its clinical effect. The induction is weaker than with rifampicin but can still be relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Nimodipine 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 for reduced nimodipine effect, including blood pressure control or neurological outcome, and increase the dose if needed. Reassess the dose when rifabutin is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Nimodipine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nimodipine with, for example, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine, Ceritinib. The full list is on the Nimodipine page.
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