Drug interactions
Praziquantel + Rifabutin
Severity: Major
Praziquantel and Rifabutin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 may reduce praziquantel concentrations, though less than rifampicin does. Subtherapeutic exposure could cause treatment failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Praziquantel and Rifabutin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Praziquantel belongs to Anti Parasitic; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4, increasing praziquantel clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination if the rifabutin can be deferred. Otherwise monitor for treatment failure and discuss dose adjustment with an infectious disease specialist.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Praziquantel
- Enzalutamide + Praziquantel Contraindicated
- Praziquantel + Rifampin Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Praziquantel Major
- Apalutamide + Praziquantel Major
- Butabarbital + Praziquantel Major
- Butalbital + Praziquantel 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 Praziquantel with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Praziquantel and Rifabutin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Rifabutin may reduce praziquantel concentrations, though less than rifampicin does. Subtherapeutic exposure could cause treatment failure.
How serious is the interaction between Praziquantel and Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if the rifabutin can be deferred. Otherwise monitor for treatment failure and discuss dose adjustment with an infectious disease specialist.
What other medicines interact with Praziquantel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Praziquantel with, for example, Enzalutamide, Rifampin, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Praziquantel page.
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