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Drug interactions

Rifampicin + Vandetanib

Severity: Major

Rifampicin and Vandetanib: 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

Rifampicin strongly induces CYP3A4 and lowers vandetanib exposure. This may reduce its antitumor effect.

What this interaction means in plain words

Rifampicin and Vandetanib 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.

Rifampicin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Vandetanib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

CYP3A4 induction by rifampicin increases vandetanib clearance.

What to do

Avoid the combination and use a non-inducing alternative when possible.

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 Rifampicin with Vandetanib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Rifampicin and Vandetanib 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. Rifampicin strongly induces CYP3A4 and lowers vandetanib exposure. This may reduce its antitumor effect.

How serious is the interaction between Rifampicin and Vandetanib?

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 the combination and use a non-inducing alternative when possible.

What other medicines interact with Vandetanib?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Vandetanib with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Vandetanib 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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