Drug interactions
Rifabutin + Terbinafine
Severity: Moderate
Rifabutin and Terbinafine: 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 is an enzyme inducer and may reduce terbinafine concentrations, as seen with the more potent inducer rifampicin. Rifabutin is a weaker inducer, so the reduction is likely smaller but could still reduce efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifabutin and Terbinafine 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 belongs to Anti Bacterial; Terbinafine belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Rifabutin induces CYP3A4 and other enzymes, increasing terbinafine clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical and mycological response and consider an extended course or alternative antifungal if response is inadequate.
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 Terbinafine
- Terbinafine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Eliglustat + Terbinafine Major
- Flecainide + Terbinafine Major
- Imipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Maprotiline + Terbinafine 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 Rifabutin with Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifabutin and Terbinafine 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 is an enzyme inducer and may reduce terbinafine concentrations, as seen with the more potent inducer rifampicin. Rifabutin is a weaker inducer, so the reduction is likely smaller but could still reduce efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Rifabutin and Terbinafine?
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 clinical and mycological response and consider an extended course or alternative antifungal if response is inadequate.
What other medicines interact with Terbinafine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbinafine with, for example, Thioridazine, Desipramine, Eliglustat. The full list is on the Terbinafine page.
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