Drug interactions
Paracetamol + Rifabutin
Severity: Minor
Paracetamol and Rifabutin: minor 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 is an enzyme inducer, though weaker than rifampicin, and may increase paracetamol metabolism. This may reduce analgesic effect and theoretically raise production of hepatotoxic NAPQI, particularly with higher doses or other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paracetamol and Rifabutin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Paracetamol belongs to Musculoskeletal; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of hepatic CYP and glucuronidation enzymes increases paracetamol metabolism.
What to do
Use usual paracetamol doses without exceeding the daily maximum. Monitor liver function if long-term or high-dose use is required, especially with other hepatotoxic antituberculars.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Paracetamol
- Ethanol + Paracetamol Major
- Busulfan + Paracetamol Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Paracetamol Moderate
- Cholestyramine + Paracetamol Moderate
- Felbamate + Paracetamol Moderate
- Fosphenytoin + Paracetamol Moderate
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 Paracetamol with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Paracetamol and Rifabutin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Rifabutin is an enzyme inducer, though weaker than rifampicin, and may increase paracetamol metabolism. This may reduce analgesic effect and theoretically raise production of hepatotoxic NAPQI, particularly with higher doses or other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Paracetamol and Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use usual paracetamol doses without exceeding the daily maximum. Monitor liver function if long-term or high-dose use is required, especially with other hepatotoxic antituberculars.
What other medicines interact with Paracetamol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paracetamol with, for example, Ethanol, Busulfan, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Paracetamol page.
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