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Drug interactions

Rifampin + Vinblastine

Severity: Moderate

Rifampin and Vinblastine: 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

Rifampin is a potent inducer of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and is expected to reduce vinblastine exposure. This may compromise the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

What this interaction means in plain words

Rifampin and Vinblastine 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Rifampin induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, increasing vinblastine clearance.

What to do

Avoid rifampin if alternatives exist, such as rifabutin where appropriate. If it is essential, monitor for reduced antitumour response.

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?

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 Rifampin with Vinblastine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifampin and Vinblastine 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. Rifampin is a potent inducer of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and is expected to reduce vinblastine exposure. This may compromise the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

How serious is the interaction between Rifampin and Vinblastine?

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 rifampin if alternatives exist, such as rifabutin where appropriate. If it is essential, monitor for reduced antitumour response.

What other medicines interact with Vinblastine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Vinblastine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Apalutamide, Atazanavir. The full list is on the Vinblastine page.

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

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