Does Rifampin Interact With Valproic Acid?

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampin) can increase valproate clearance, while enzyme inhibitors (e.g., felbamate) can decrease valproate clearance.

Severity: Minor

Severity basis: drug interactions section. Combining Rifampin (Rifamycin antibiotic (strong CYP3A4 inducer)) and Valproic Acid (Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer) 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.

From the FDA Label

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Hepatic enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampin) can increase valproate clearance, while enzyme inhibitors (e.g., felbamate) can decrease valproate clearance.

Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 1286ab49-fa34-488e-e063-6394a90ad582).

Rifampin

Rifamycin antibiotic (strong CYP3A4 inducer)

Brands: Rifadin

View Rifampin safety profile

Valproic Acid

Anticonvulsant / mood stabilizer

Brands: Depakote, Depakene

View Valproic Acid safety profile

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

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 It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary.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.

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