Drug interactions
Rifapentine + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Rifapentine 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
Rifapentine induces CYP3A4, and rifampin, a related inducer, reduces zaleplon exposure substantially. Reduced hypnotic efficacy is therefore likely with rifapentine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifapentine 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.
Rifapentine belongs to Anti Bacterial; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Rifapentine induces CYP3A4 and other enzymes, accelerating zaleplon clearance.
What to do
Monitor for loss of hypnotic effect and consider a non-CYP3A4-dependent alternative if zaleplon is ineffective; avoid exceeding the maximum labeled dose.
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
Other interactions of Rifapentine
- Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lorlatinib + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Lurasidone + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Ranolazine + Rifapentine Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir Contraindicated
- Rifapentine + Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifapentine with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifapentine 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. Rifapentine induces CYP3A4, and rifampin, a related inducer, reduces zaleplon exposure substantially. Reduced hypnotic efficacy is therefore likely with rifapentine.
How serious is the interaction between Rifapentine 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 a non-CYP3A4-dependent alternative if zaleplon is ineffective; avoid exceeding the maximum labeled dose.
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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