Drug interactions
Rifampin + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Rifampin and Zolpidem: 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 strongly induces CYP3A4 and substantially lowers zolpidem exposure. This shortens and weakens its hypnotic effect. The reduction is well documented.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifampin and Zolpidem 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 CYP3A4, accelerating zolpidem metabolism.
What to do
Expect reduced efficacy and consider a non-CYP3A4-dependent hypnotic or non-drug approaches. Do not exceed the maximum labeled zolpidem dose to compensate.
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 Zolpidem
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifampin with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifampin and Zolpidem 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 strongly induces CYP3A4 and substantially lowers zolpidem exposure. This shortens and weakens its hypnotic effect. The reduction is well documented.
How serious is the interaction between Rifampin and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Expect reduced efficacy and consider a non-CYP3A4-dependent hypnotic or non-drug approaches. Do not exceed the maximum labeled zolpidem dose to compensate.
What other medicines interact with Zolpidem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zolpidem with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen. The full list is on the Zolpidem page.
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