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Drug Interactions between isoniazid / rifampin and levodopa

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Major

rifAMPin isoniazid

Applies to: isoniazid / rifampin and isoniazid / rifampin

MONITOR CLOSELY: The risk of hepatotoxicity is greater when rifampin and isoniazid (INH) are given concomitantly, than when either drug is given alone. The proposed mechanism is rifampin's induction of isoniazid hydrolase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of INH to isonicotinic acid and hydrazine. Hydrazine is the proposed toxic metabolite of INH, which has been shown in animal studies to cause steatosis, hepatocyte vacuolation and glutathione depletion. Some studies have also shown that slow acetylators have a two-fold increased risk of developing antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH) as compared with fast acetylators due to more available INH for direct hydrolysis to hydrazine. Theoretically, a similar reaction may occur with rifabutin and isoniazid. Additional risk factors for developing hepatotoxicity include patients with advanced age, malnutrition, existing hepatic impairment, daily alcohol consumption, female gender, HIV infection, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and/or patients who are taking other potent CYP450-inducing agents.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close monitoring should be considered if isoniazid (INH) is coadministered with rifampin or rifabutin. In cases where coadministration is required, careful monitoring of liver function, especially ALT and AST, should be done at baseline and then every 2 to 4 weeks during therapy, or in accordance with individual product labeling. Some manufacturers of INH recommend strongly considering its discontinuation if serum aminotransferase concentrations (AST or SGOT, ALT or SGPT) exceed 3 to 5 times the upper limit of normal. Product labeling for rifampin also recommends the immediate discontinuation of therapy if hepatic damage is suspected. INH product labeling suggests alternate drugs be used if hepatitis is attributed to INH in patients with tuberculosis. However, if INH must be used, it should only be resumed after the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities have cleared. It should also be restarted in very small, gradually increasing doses and immediately withdrawn if there is any indication of recurrent liver involvement. Patients should be counseled to immediately report signs or symptoms consistent with liver damage and notified that prodromal symptoms usually consist of fatigue, weakness, malaise, anorexia, nausea, and/or vomiting.

References

  1. O'Brien RJ, Long MW, Cross FS, et al. (1983) "Hepatotoxicity from isoniazid and rifampin among children treated for tuberculosis." Pediatrics, 72, p. 491-9
  2. Kumar A, Misra PK, Mehotra R, et al. (1991) "Hepatotoxicity of rifampin and isoniazid." Am Rev Respir Dis, 143, p. 1350-2
  3. Abadie-Kemmerly S, Pankey GA, Dalvisio JR (1988) "Failure of ketoconazole treatment of blastomyces dermatidis due to interaction of isoniazid and rifampin." Ann Intern Med, 109, p. 844-5
  4. Acocella G, Bonollo L, Garimoldi M, et al. (1972) "Kinetics of rifampicin and isoniazid administered alone and in combination to normal subjects and patients with liver disease." Gut, 13, p. 47-53
  5. Yamamoto T, Suou T, Hirayama C (1986) "Elevated serum aminotransferase induced by isoniazid in relation to isoniazid acetylator phenotype." Hepatology, 6, p. 295-8
  6. Steele MA, Burk RF, Des Prez RM (1991) "Toxic hepatitis with isoniazid and rifampin." Chest, 99, p. 465-71
  7. "Product Information. INH (isoniazid)." Ciba Pharmaceuticals, Summit, NJ.
  8. Sarma G, Immanuel C, Kailasam S, Narayana AS, Venkatesan P (1986) "Rifampin-induced release of hydrazine from isoniazid." Am Rev Respir Dis, 133, p. 1072-5
  9. (2001) "Product Information. Mycobutin (rifabutin)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  10. (2001) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifampin)." Hoechst Marion Roussel
  11. Askgaard DS, Wilcke T, Dossing M (1995) "Hepatotoxicity caused by the combined action of isoniazid and rifampicin." Thorax, 50, p. 213-4
  12. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  13. Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
  14. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
  15. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." Chartwell RX, LLC.
  16. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (Arrotex) (isoniazid)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  17. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." RPH Pharmaceuticals AB
  18. Sarma GR, Immanual C, Kailasam S, Narayana AS, Venkatesan P (2024) Rifampin-induced release of hydrazine from isoniazid. A possible cause of hepatitis during treatment of tuberculosis with regimens containing isoniazid and rifampin https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3717759/
  19. Tostmann A, Boeree MJ, Aarnoutse RE, De Lange WCM, Van Der Ven AJAM, Dekhuijzen R (2024) Antituberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity: concise up-to-date review https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1746.2007.05207.x
  20. (2021) "Product Information. Isotamine (isoniazid)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
  21. (2022) "Product Information. Rifampin (rifAMPin)." Akorn Inc
  22. (2022) "Product Information. Rifampicin (rifampicin)." Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
  23. (2023) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifampicin)." Sanofi
  24. (2024) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifaMPICin)." Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd
  25. (2019) "Product Information. Rofact (rifampin)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
View all 25 references

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Moderate

isoniazid levodopa

Applies to: isoniazid / rifampin and levodopa

MONITOR: Coadministration of levodopa with isoniazid may reduce the therapeutic effects of levodopa, increase symptoms of polyneuropathy, and increase the risk of severe hypertensive reactions. While the mechanism of decreased levodopa efficacy by isoniazid is not fully understood, data from available medical literature suggests isoniazid is a nonspecific inhibitor of pyridoxal phosphate dependent enzymes, including dopa decarboxylase, the enzyme responsible for converting levodopa to therapeutically active dopamine. Polyneuropathy has been reported during treatment with levodopa-carbidopa combinations, and concurrent use of other medications that are also associated with this adverse effect may potentiate the risk and/or severity of nerve damage. In a systematic review evaluating the prevalence of peripheral polyneuropathy (PNP) with oral levodopa and levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel infusion, PNP occurred in 30.2% and 42.1%, respectively. In both groups, there was an association between PNP and higher levodopa doses and biochemical alterations including increased homocysteine, reduced vitamin B12, increased methylmalonic acid, and reduced vitamin B6. The suspected mechanism behind isoniazid-induced peripheral neuropathy is related to isoniazid's interference with human vitamin B6 synthesis. One study suggests the risk of developing drug induced peripheral neuropathy increases with higher doses of INH and the presence of HIV infection. The authors observed that, with concomitant pyridoxine supplementation, this complication can be reversed within weeks to months. Isoniazid is also considered a weak inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO) which is responsible for breaking down norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Combining INH with levodopa, a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, can theoretically lead to additive effects and increase the risk of hypertensive crises. However, data evaluating this aspect of the interaction are limited and speculative.

MANAGEMENT: If levodopa is used concurrently with isoniazid, patients should be monitored for a worsening of parkinsonian symptoms, and for signs and symptoms of hypertensive crisis (including but not limited to severe headache, visual disturbances, difficulty thinking, and chest pain). The product labeling for the enteral formulation of levodopa-carbidopa recommends evaluating patients for a history or signs of polyneuropathy and known risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, or concomitant use of other medications associated with polyneuropathy prior to treatment initiation. For patients with preexisting polyneuropathy, the benefits of treatment should be carefully weighed against the potential risks, including the potential for impaired mobility. Plasma concentrations of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, and folic acid should be obtained at baseline and at regular intervals during treatment. Patients who develop symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and low plasma concentrations of vitamin B6 and/or vitamin B12, or elevated homocysteine or methylmalonic acid concentrations, may benefit from vitamin supplementation, but only if levodopa is coadministered with carbidopa as pyridoxine can decrease the amount of available levodopa that crosses the blood brain barrier.

References

  1. (2022) "Product Information. Duopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." AbbVie US LLC
  2. (2022) "Product Information. Duodopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." AbbVie Corporation
  3. (2021) "Product Information. Duodopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." AbbVie Pty Ltd, 18
  4. (2021) "Product Information. Isoniazid/Rifapentine 300 mg/300 mg (Macleods) (isoniazid-rifapentine)." Imported (India), 2
  5. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." Chartwell RX, LLC.
  6. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (Arrotex) (isoniazid)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  7. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." RPH Pharmaceuticals AB
  8. Gershanik OS, Scipioni O, obeso ja, luquin mr (2024) Isoniazid therapy in Parkinson's disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3221901/
  9. (2021) "Product Information. Isotamine (isoniazid)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
View all 9 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

rifAMPin food

Applies to: isoniazid / rifampin

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent use of rifampin in patients who ingest alcohol daily may result in an increased incidence of hepatotoxicity. The increase in hepatotoxicity may be due to an additive risk as both alcohol and rifampin are individually associated with this adverse reaction. However, the exact mechanism has not been established.

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food may reduce oral rifampin absorption, increasing the risk of therapeutic failure or resistance. In a randomized, four-period crossover phase I study of 14 healthy male and female volunteers, the pharmacokinetics of single dose rifampin 600 mg were evaluated under fasting conditions and with a high-fat meal. Researchers observed that administration of rifampin with a high-fat meal reduced rifampin peak plasma concentration (Cmax) by 36%, nearly doubled the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) but reduced overall exposure (AUC) by only 6%.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of oral forms of rifampin recommends administration on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals. Patients should be encouraged to avoid alcohol or strictly limit their intake. Patients who use alcohol and rifampin concurrently or have a history of alcohol use disorder may require additional monitoring of their liver function during treatment with rifampin.

References

  1. (2022) "Product Information. Rifampin (rifAMPin)." Akorn Inc
  2. (2022) "Product Information. Rifampicin (rifampicin)." Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
  3. (2023) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifampicin)." Sanofi
  4. (2024) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifaMPICin)." Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd
  5. Peloquin CA, Namdar R, Singleton MD, Nix DE (2024) Pharmacokinetics of rifampin under fasting conditions, with food, and with antacids https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9925057/
  6. (2019) "Product Information. Rofact (rifampin)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
View all 6 references

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Moderate

isoniazid food

Applies to: isoniazid / rifampin

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent use of isoniazid (INH) in patients who ingest alcohol daily may result in an increased incidence of both hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy. The increase in hepatotoxicity may be due to an additive risk as both alcohol and INH are individually associated with this adverse reaction. INH-associated hepatotoxicity is believed to be due to an accumulation of toxic metabolites and may also be partly immune mediated, though the exact mechanisms are not universally agreed upon. INH is metabolized by N-acetyltransferase and CYP450 2E1. The rate of acetylation is genetically determined and generally classified as slow or rapid. Slow acetylators have been identified by some studies as having a higher risk of hepatotoxicity; therefore, this interaction may be more significant for patients who fall into this category. Other studies have postulated that alcohol-mediated CYP450 2E1 induction may play a role, as this isoenzyme is involved in INH metabolism and may be responsible for producing hepatotoxic metabolites. However, available literature is conflicting. The labeling for some INH products lists daily alcohol use or chronic alcoholism as a risk factor for hepatitis, but not all studies have found a significant association between alcohol use and INH-induced hepatotoxicity. Additionally, INH and alcohol are both associated with pyridoxine (B6) deficiency, which may increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy.

GENERALLY AVOID: Concomitant administration of isoniazid (INH) with foods containing tyramine and/or histamine may increase the risk of symptoms relating to tyramine- and/or histamine toxicity (e.g., headache, diaphoresis, flushing, palpitations, and hypotension). The proposed mechanism is INH-mediated inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and diamine oxidase (DAO), enzymes responsible for the metabolism of tyramine and histamine, respectively. Some authors have suggested that the reactions observed are mainly due to INH's effects on DAO instead of MAO or the amounts of histamine instead of tyramine present in the food. A Japanese case report recorded an example in 8 out of 25 patients on the tuberculosis ward who developed an accidental histamine poisoning after ingesting a fish paste (saury). Patients developed allergy-like symptoms, which started between 20 minutes and 2 hours after ingesting the food. A high-level of histamine (32 mg/100 g of fish) was confirmed in the saury paste and all 8 patients were both on INH and had reduced MAO concentrations. The 17 remaining patients were not on INH (n=5) or reported not eating the saury paste (n=12).

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Administration with food significantly reduces oral isoniazid (INH) absorption, increasing the risk of therapeutic failure or resistance. The mechanism is unknown. Pharmacokinetic studies completed in both healthy volunteers (n=14) and tuberculosis patients (n=20 treatment-naive patients during days 1 to 3 of treatment) have resulted in almost doubling the time to reach INH's maximum concentration (tmax) and a reduction in isoniazid's maximum concentration (Cmax) of 42%-51% in patients who consumed high-fat or high-carbohydrate meals prior to INH treatment.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of oral forms of isoniazid (INH) recommends administration on an empty stomach (i.e., 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals). Patients should be encouraged to avoid alcohol or strictly limit their intake. Patients who use alcohol and INH concurrently or have a history of alcohol use disorder may require additional monitoring of their liver function during treatment with INH. Concomitant pyridoxine (B6) administration is also recommended to reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy, with some authorities suggesting a dose of at least 10 mg/day. Patients should be advised to avoid foods containing tyramine (e.g., aged cheese, cured meats such as sausages and salami, fava beans, sauerkraut, soy sauce, beer, or red wine) or histamine (e.g., skipjack, tuna, mackerel, salmon) during treatment with isoniazid. Consultation of product labeling for combination products containing isoniazid and/or relevant guidelines may be helpful for more specific recommendations.

References

  1. Smith CK, Durack DT (1978) "Isoniazid and reaction to cheese." Ann Intern Med, 88, p. 520-1
  2. Dimartini A (1995) "Isoniazid, tricyclics and the ''cheese reaction''." Int Clin Psychopharmacol, 10, p. 197-8
  3. Uragoda CG, Kottegoda SR (1977) "Adverse reactions to isoniazid on ingestion of fish with a high histamine content." Tubercle, 58, p. 83-9
  4. Self TH, Chrisman CR, Baciewicz AM, Bronze MS (1999) "Isoniazid drug and food interactions." Am J Med Sci, 317, p. 304-11
  5. (2021) "Product Information. Isoniazid/Rifapentine 300 mg/300 mg (Macleods) (isoniazid-rifapentine)." Imported (India), 2
  6. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." Chartwell RX, LLC.
  7. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (Arrotex) (isoniazid)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  8. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." RPH Pharmaceuticals AB
  9. Saukkonen JJ, Cohn DL, Jasmer RM, et al. (2006) "An official ATS statement: hepatotoxicity of antituberculosis therapy." Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 174, p. 935-52
  10. Bouazzi OE, Hammi S, Bourkadi JE, et al. (2024) First line anti-tuberculosis induced hepatotoxicity: incidence and risk factors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5326068/
  11. Wang P, Pradhan K, Zhong XB, Ma X (2016) "Isoniazid metabolism and hepatoxicity." Acta Pharm Sin B, 6, p. 384-92
  12. Saktiawati AM, Sturkenboom MG, Stienstra Y, et al. (2016) "Impact of food on the pharmacokinetics of first-line anti-TB drugs in treatment naive TB patients: a randomized cross-over trial." J Antimicrob Chemother, 71, p. 703-10
  13. Hahn JA, Ngabirano C, Fatch R, et al. (2023) "Safety and tolerability of isoniazid preventive therapy for tuberculosis for persons with HIV with and without alcohol use." AIDS, 37, p. 1535-43
  14. Huang YS, Chern HD, Su WJ, et al. (2003) "Cytochrome P450 2E1 genotype and the susceptibility to antituberculosis drug-induced hepatitis." Hepatology, 37, p. 924-30
  15. Sousou JM, Griffith EM, Marsalisi C, Reddy P (2024) Pyridoxine deficiency and neurologic dysfunction: an unlikely association. https://www.cureus.com/articles/188310-pyridoxine-deficiency-and-neurologic-dysfunction-an-unlikely-association?score_article=true#!/
  16. Miki M, Ishikawa T, Okayama H (2005) "An outbreak of histamine poisoning after ingestion of the ground saury paste in eight patients taking isoniazid in tuberculous ward." Intern Med, 44, p. 1133-6
  17. (2021) "Product Information. Isotamine (isoniazid)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
View all 17 references

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Moderate

levodopa food

Applies to: levodopa

GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of levodopa. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

MONITOR: Limited clinical data suggest that high protein content in the diet may reduce or cause fluctuations in the clinical response to oral and enteral formulations of levodopa in patients with Parkinson's disease. Proposed mechanisms include delayed gastric emptying, decreased levodopa absorption when taken with a protein rich diet, and competition with certain amino acids for transport across the gut wall and/or the blood brain barrier. Data have been conflicting. Clinical studies have variously reported no effect, reduced levodopa absorption with low-protein meals, reduced effects of oral and enteral formulations of levodopa with high daily protein intake, and no differences compared to fasting with high-protein meals. Neuroleptic malignant-like symptoms were reported in a patient with Parkinson's disease who was receiving pramipexole, entacapone, and immediate-release levodopa/carbidopa, after the protein content of his enteral feedings via nasogastric tube was increased from 0.88 g/kg/day to 1.8 g/kg/day; symptoms improved after the protein was reduced to 1 g/kg/day and bromocriptine was administered. Another patient receiving immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa, pramipexole, and entacapone experienced severe rigidity after initiation of continuous enteral nutrition via oral gastric tube containing 1.4 g/kg/day of protein; his Parkinsonian symptoms improved after the protein content was reduced to 0.9 g/kg/day, the feeding was changed to bolus feedings, and the levodopa was administered between boluses.

MANAGEMENT: In general, alcohol consumption should be avoided or limited during treatment with CNS-depressant agents. Until more data are available, it is advisable to avoid large fluctuations in daily protein intake and to monitor patients for altered effects of oral and enteral levodopa formulations if the protein content of the diet is increased.

References

  1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  2. Wohlt PD, Zheng L, Gunderson S, Balzar SA, Johnson BD, Fish JT (2009) "Recommendations for the use of medications with continuous enteral nutrition." Am J Health Syst Pharm, 66, p. 1438-67
  3. (2022) "Product Information. Duopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." AbbVie US LLC
  4. (2021) "Product Information. Duodopa (carbidopa-levodopa)." AbbVie Pty Ltd, 18
  5. (2023) "Product Information. Vyalev (foscarbidopa-foslevodopa)." AbbVie Corporation
  6. (2022) "Product Information. Dhivy (carbidopa-levodopa)." Avion Pharmaceuticals
View all 6 references

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Moderate

levodopa food

Applies to: levodopa

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: The oral bioavailability and pharmacologic effects of levodopa and carbidopa may be decreased during concurrent administration with iron-containing products. The proposed mechanism is chelation of levodopa and carbidopa by the iron cation, forming an insoluble complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. In nine patients with Parkinson's disease, administration of levodopa-carbidopa 100 mg-25 mg with ferrous sulfate 325 mg decreased levodopa peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 47% and 30%, respectively, and carbidopa Cmax and AUC by 77% and 82%, respectively, compared to administration with placebo. There was also evidence of reduced efficacy of levodopa in some patients. In another study consisting of eight healthy subjects, coadministration of levodopa 250 mg with ferrous sulfate 325 mg resulted in greater than 50% reductions in the Cmax and AUC of levodopa compared to administration of levodopa alone. The magnitude of the interaction was the greatest in patients whose plasma levels of levodopa were the highest following administration of levodopa alone.

MANAGEMENT: Until more information is available, patients receiving levodopa and/or carbidopa in combination with iron-containing products should be advised to separate the times of administration by as much as possible. Patients should be monitored for reduced efficacy of levodopa, and the dosage adjusted as necessary.

References

  1. Campbell NR, Hasinoff B (1989) "Ferrous sulfate reduces levodopa bioavailability: chelation as a possible mechanism." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 45, p. 220-5
  2. Campbell NR, Hasinoff BB (1991) "Iron supplements: a common cause of drug interactions." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 31, p. 251-5
  3. Campbell NR, Rankine D, Goodridge AE, Hasinoff BB, Kara M (1990) "Sinemet-ferrous sulphate interaction in patients with Parkinson's disease." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 30, p. 599-605
  4. Greene RJ, Hall AD, Hider RC (1990) "The interaction of orally administered iron with levodopa and methyldopa therapy." J Pharm Pharmacol, 42, p. 502-4
View all 4 references

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

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Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.