Drug interactions
Propranolol + Rifabutin
Severity: Moderate
Propranolol 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 hepatic enzymes and can lower propranolol concentrations, reducing blood pressure and heart rate control. The inducing effect is weaker than that of rifampicin but can still be relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Propranolol 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.
Propranolol belongs to Cardiovascular; Rifabutin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes increases propranolol clearance.
What to do
Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when rifabutin is started or stopped. Increase the propranolol dose if effect is lost, and reduce it again after rifabutin is discontinued.
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 Propranolol
- Propranolol + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Propranolol Major
- Adrenaline-articaine + Propranolol Major
- Amifostine + Propranolol Major
- Amiodarone + Propranolol Major
- Arformoterol + Propranolol 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 Propranolol with Rifabutin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Propranolol 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 hepatic enzymes and can lower propranolol concentrations, reducing blood pressure and heart rate control. The inducing effect is weaker than that of rifampicin but can still be relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Propranolol 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: Monitor heart rate and blood pressure when rifabutin is started or stopped. Increase the propranolol dose if effect is lost, and reduce it again after rifabutin is discontinued.
What other medicines interact with Propranolol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Propranolol with, for example, Thioridazine, Acebutolol, Adrenaline-articaine. The full list is on the Propranolol page.
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