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Does Irinotecan Hydrochloride Interact with Rifapentine?

Irinotecan Hydrochloride and Rifapentine have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Strong CYP3A4 inducer substantially reduces exposure to irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38. Avoid use or substitute non-enzyme inducing therapies at least 2 weeks prior to initiation. The mechanism involves cyp3a4 enzyme induction. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.

Severity
Major
Rifapentine Class
Rifamycin Antimycobacterial
Management
Close medical supervision required
Data Source
U.S. FDA via OpenFDA

How This Interaction Works

The interaction between Irinotecan Hydrochloride and Rifapentine occurs because cyp3a4 enzyme induction. Clinically, this means strong cyp3a4 inducer substantially reduces exposure to irinotecan and its active metabolite sn-38. avoid use or substitute non-enzyme inducing therapies at least 2 weeks prior to initiation. This is classified as a major interaction, meaning it could cause serious harm if not properly managed. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, substitute one medication, or increase monitoring frequency.

What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

If you are taking Irinotecan Hydrochloride and your doctor is considering prescribing Rifapentine (or vice versa), make sure to:

  • Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
  • Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
  • Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
  • Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
  • Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
  • Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider
💊 Irinotecan Hydrochloride(Irinotecan Hydrochloride)+💊 Rifapentine(Priftin)

Severity & Interaction Details

⚠️
major
Use with caution — major interaction
Serious risk of clinically significant harm. Generally avoid; if used, monitor closely.
Severity scale
MinorContra
On record
Yes
Drug A class
—
Drug B class
Rifamycin Antimycobacterial
Source
NLP:irinotecan hydrochloride

What this means in plain English

Strong CYP3A4 inducer substantially reduces exposure to irinotecan and its active metabolite SN-38. Avoid use or substitute non-enzyme inducing therapies at least 2 weeks prior to initiation.

What the FDA label says

"CYP3A4 enzyme induction"

📖 Source: NLP:irinotecan hydrochloride

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Data sourced from U.S. FDA drug labeling via openFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine. For informational purposes only. Always consult your pharmacist or physician.