Drug interactions
Rifampin + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Rifampin and Zaleplon: 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 enzyme inducer and substantially lowers zaleplon concentrations, which may reduce its hypnotic efficacy. Insomnia may persist despite standard doses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifampin and Zaleplon 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.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 (and other metabolizing enzymes) increases zaleplon clearance.
What to do
Monitor for loss of hypnotic effect and consider an alternative insomnia treatment if zaleplon is ineffective. Reassess if rifampin is stopped.
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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifampin with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifampin and Zaleplon 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 enzyme inducer and substantially lowers zaleplon concentrations, which may reduce its hypnotic efficacy. Insomnia may persist despite standard doses.
How serious is the interaction between Rifampin and Zaleplon?
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 for loss of hypnotic effect and consider an alternative insomnia treatment if zaleplon is ineffective. Reassess if rifampin is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
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