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Drug interactions

Rifabutin + Ticagrelor

Severity: Major

Rifabutin and Ticagrelor: 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

Rifabutin induces CYP3A4, though less strongly than rifampicin, and may lower ticagrelor exposure and antiplatelet efficacy.

What this interaction means in plain words

Rifabutin and Ticagrelor 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 belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ticagrelor belongs to Cardiovascular.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

CYP3A4 induction increases ticagrelor metabolism.

What to do

Avoid concomitant use where possible; if unavoidable, monitor for thrombotic events and consider alternative therapy.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Rifabutin with Ticagrelor?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Rifabutin and Ticagrelor 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 induces CYP3A4, though less strongly than rifampicin, and may lower ticagrelor exposure and antiplatelet efficacy.

How serious is the interaction between Rifabutin and Ticagrelor?

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 concomitant use where possible; if unavoidable, monitor for thrombotic events and consider alternative therapy.

What other medicines interact with Ticagrelor?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Ticagrelor with, for example, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Levoketoconazole. The full list is on the Ticagrelor page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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