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    HomeMedication GuideDrug InteractionsNortriptyline + Rifampin
    Minor interaction

    Does Nortriptyline Interact With Rifampin?

    Decrease exposure Selective 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists Ondansetron Decrease exposure Statins Metabolized by CYP3A4 Simvastatin Decrease exposure Thiazolidinediones Rosiglitazone Decrease AUC by 66% Tricyclic Antidepressants Nortriptyline A tuberculosis treatment regimen including rifampin (600 mg/day), isoniazid (300 mg/day), pyrazinamide (500 mg 3× per day), and pyridoxine (25 mg) was associated with higher than expected doses of nortriptyline were required to obtain a therapeutic drug level.

    Reviewed by the OmniRx Health clinical teamLast reviewed Jul 4, 2026

    Severity: Minor

    Severity basis: drug interactions section. Combining Nortriptyline (Tricyclic antidepressant) and Rifampin (Rifamycin antibiotic (strong CYP3A4 inducer)) is classified as a minor interaction.

    What to Do

    This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.

    How This Interaction Works

    Interactions like this one can happen when two medicines have overlapping effects, or when one changes how the other is absorbed, broken down, or cleared from the body. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant and Rifampin is a rifamycin antibiotic (strong cyp3a4 inducer); together they are documented as a minor interaction. How much this matters depends on your dose, your other medications, and your overall health.

    If You Take Both Medications

    If you have been prescribed both Nortriptyline and Rifampin, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.

    From the FDA Label

    Decrease exposure Selective 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists Ondansetron Decrease exposure Statins Metabolized by CYP3A4 Simvastatin Decrease exposure Thiazolidinediones Rosiglitazone Decrease AUC by 66% Tricyclic Antidepressants Nortriptyline A tuberculosis treatment regimen including rifampin (600 mg/day), isoniazid (300 mg/day), pyrazinamide (500 mg 3× per day), and pyridoxine (25 mg) was associated with higher than expected doses of nortriptyline were required to obtain a therapeutic drug level.

    Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 036ab68e-5085-4edc-bd83-784b43d64eab).

    Nortriptyline

    Tricyclic antidepressant

    Brands: Pamelor

    View Nortriptyline safety profile

    Rifampin

    Rifamycin antibiotic (strong CYP3A4 inducer)

    Brands: Rifadin

    View Rifampin safety profile

    Check these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you take Nortriptyline and Rifampin together?

    Nortriptyline and Rifampin have a documented minor interaction. This is generally a minor interaction, but review it with your pharmacist to be sure it is safe for you.

    How serious is the Nortriptyline and Rifampin interaction?

    It is classified as a minor interaction, based on the FDA label's drug interactions section. A minor interaction is usually limited in effect but is still worth discussing with your care team.

    What should I do if I'm taking both Nortriptyline and Rifampin?

    If you have been prescribed both Nortriptyline and Rifampin, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.

    This information is educational — not medical advice.

    This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

    Questions About Your Medications?

    A licensed OmniRx provider can review your full medication list and help you understand what's safe for you — no office visit required.

    Other Rifampin Interactions