Drug interactions
Primaquine + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Primaquine and Rifampin: 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
Rifampin is a potent enzyme inducer and may lower primaquine concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy against hypnozoites. Some primaquine metabolites may rise, which could affect haemolytic risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Primaquine and Rifampin 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.
Why it happens
Rifampin induces CYP enzymes including CYP3A4, increasing primaquine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for relapse of malaria and consider an alternative to rifampin if feasible. Observe for haemolysis in patients with risk factors.
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 Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Primaquine with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Primaquine and Rifampin 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. Rifampin is a potent enzyme inducer and may lower primaquine concentrations, potentially reducing efficacy against hypnozoites. Some primaquine metabolites may rise, which could affect haemolytic risk.
How serious is the interaction between Primaquine and Rifampin?
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 relapse of malaria and consider an alternative to rifampin if feasible. Observe for haemolysis in patients with risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Primaquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Primaquine with, for example, Pimozide, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Primaquine page.
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