Drug interactions
Rifampin + Zidovudine
Severity: Moderate
Rifampin and Zidovudine: 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 lowers zidovudine concentrations, which may reduce antiviral efficacy. The magnitude is moderate and variable between patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifampin and Zidovudine 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
Rifampin induces hepatic glucuronidation, increasing zidovudine clearance.
What to do
Monitor HIV viral load and CD4 counts. Zidovudine is often continued unchanged, but consider alternatives if virologic response is inadequate.
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 Zidovudine
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Stavudine + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Carboplatin + Zidovudine Major
- Cisplatin + Zidovudine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifampin with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifampin and Zidovudine 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 lowers zidovudine concentrations, which may reduce antiviral efficacy. The magnitude is moderate and variable between patients.
How serious is the interaction between Rifampin and Zidovudine?
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 HIV viral load and CD4 counts. Zidovudine is often continued unchanged, but consider alternatives if virologic response is inadequate.
What other medicines interact with Zidovudine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zidovudine with, for example, Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df, Stavudine, Atidarsagene autotemcel. The full list is on the Zidovudine page.
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