Drug interactions
Paclitaxel + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Paclitaxel 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 possibly CYP2C8, which may lower paclitaxel concentrations and reduce efficacy. The effect is weaker than with rifampicin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paclitaxel 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.
Paclitaxel belongs to Oncology; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4/CYP2C8 by rifabutin increases paclitaxel metabolism.
What to do
Use an alternative antimycobacterial if possible; otherwise monitor tumor response without empirically raising the paclitaxel dose.
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 Paclitaxel
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 Paclitaxel with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Paclitaxel 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 possibly CYP2C8, which may lower paclitaxel concentrations and reduce efficacy. The effect is weaker than with rifampicin.
How serious is the interaction between Paclitaxel 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: Use an alternative antimycobacterial if possible; otherwise monitor tumor response without empirically raising the paclitaxel dose.
What other medicines interact with Paclitaxel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paclitaxel with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Paclitaxel page.
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