Drug interactions
Peginterferon alfa 2a + Riluzole
Severity: Moderate
Peginterferon alfa 2a and Riluzole: 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
Riluzole is mainly metabolized by CYP1A2, which peginterferon alfa-2a can inhibit, so riluzole exposure may increase. Both drugs can also affect the liver, which adds to the need for monitoring.
What this interaction means in plain words
Peginterferon alfa 2a and Riluzole 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.
Peginterferon alfa 2a belongs to Anti Virals; Riluzole belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Interferon-mediated inhibition of CYP1A2 reduces riluzole clearance, with possible additive hepatotoxicity.
What to do
Monitor liver aminotransferases regularly and watch for riluzole adverse effects such as nausea, fatigue and dizziness. Reduce or stop riluzole if liver injury develops.
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 Peginterferon alfa 2a
Other interactions of Riluzole
- Fluvoxamine + Riluzole Major
- Cannabidiol + Riluzole Moderate
- Ciprofloxacin + Riluzole Moderate
- Elranatamab + Riluzole Moderate
- Epcoritamab + Riluzole Moderate
- Fexinidazole + Riluzole Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Peginterferon alfa 2a with Riluzole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Peginterferon alfa 2a and Riluzole 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. Riluzole is mainly metabolized by CYP1A2, which peginterferon alfa-2a can inhibit, so riluzole exposure may increase. Both drugs can also affect the liver, which adds to the need for monitoring.
How serious is the interaction between Peginterferon alfa 2a and Riluzole?
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 liver aminotransferases regularly and watch for riluzole adverse effects such as nausea, fatigue and dizziness. Reduce or stop riluzole if liver injury develops.
What other medicines interact with Peginterferon alfa 2a?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Peginterferon alfa 2a with, for example, Clozapine, Deferiprone, Hydroxyurea. The full list is on the Peginterferon alfa 2a page.
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