Drug interactions
Rifampicin + Suvorexant
Severity: Moderate
Rifampicin and Suvorexant: 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
Rifampicin strongly induces CYP3A and markedly lowers suvorexant concentrations. This can reduce or abolish its hypnotic effect.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifampicin and Suvorexant 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.
Rifampicin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Suvorexant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 by rifampicin increases the metabolism of suvorexant, a CYP3A substrate.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible. If insomnia persists during rifampicin therapy, consider an alternative hypnotic not dependent on CYP3A metabolism.
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 Suvorexant
Other interactions of Rifampicin
- Cabotegravir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Delamanid + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Ensitrelvir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Fostemsavir + Rifampicin Contraindicated
- Isavuconazole + Rifampicin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifampicin with Suvorexant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifampicin and Suvorexant 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. Rifampicin strongly induces CYP3A and markedly lowers suvorexant concentrations. This can reduce or abolish its hypnotic effect.
How serious is the interaction between Rifampicin and Suvorexant?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible. If insomnia persists during rifampicin therapy, consider an alternative hypnotic not dependent on CYP3A metabolism.
What other medicines interact with Suvorexant?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Suvorexant with, for example, Chloramphenicol, Clarithromycin, Itraconazole. The full list is on the Suvorexant page.
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