Drug interactions
Raltegravir + Rifampin
Severity: Major
Raltegravir and Rifampin: major 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 reduces raltegravir exposure significantly and may risk loss of virologic control. The effect is more marked at trough concentrations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Raltegravir and Rifampin 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.
Why it happens
Rifampin induces UGT1A1, increasing raltegravir glucuronidation and clearance.
What to do
If coadministration is needed, use raltegravir 800 mg twice daily with 400 mg film-coated tablets and monitor viral load. Avoid the once-daily 1200 mg formulation.
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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Other interactions of Raltegravir
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Raltegravir Contraindicated
- Aluminum hydroxide / magnesium carbonate + Raltegravir Major
- Aluminum hydroxide / magnesium trisilicate + Raltegravir Major
- Aluminum hydroxide + Raltegravir Major
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Raltegravir Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Raltegravir Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Raltegravir with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Raltegravir and Rifampin 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. Rifampin reduces raltegravir exposure significantly and may risk loss of virologic control. The effect is more marked at trough concentrations.
How serious is the interaction between Raltegravir and Rifampin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: If coadministration is needed, use raltegravir 800 mg twice daily with 400 mg film-coated tablets and monitor viral load. Avoid the once-daily 1200 mg formulation.
What other medicines interact with Raltegravir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Raltegravir with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Aluminum hydroxide / magnesium carbonate, Aluminum hydroxide / magnesium trisilicate. The full list is on the Raltegravir page.
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