Drug Interactions between isoniazid / rifampin and methotrexate
This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:
- isoniazid/rifampin
- methotrexate
Interactions between your drugs
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 It should also be restarted in very small, gradually increasing doses and immediately withdrawn if there is any indication of recurrent liver involvement.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
- 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
- Kumar A, Misra PK, Mehotra R, et al. (1991) "Hepatotoxicity of rifampin and isoniazid." Am Rev Respir Dis, 143, p. 1350-2
- 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
- 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
- Yamamoto T, Suou T, Hirayama C (1986) "Elevated serum aminotransferase induced by isoniazid in relation to isoniazid acetylator phenotype." Hepatology, 6, p. 295-8
- Steele MA, Burk RF, Des Prez RM (1991) "Toxic hepatitis with isoniazid and rifampin." Chest, 99, p. 465-71
- "Product Information. INH (isoniazid)." Ciba Pharmaceuticals, Summit, NJ.
- 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
- (2001) "Product Information. Mycobutin (rifabutin)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
- (2001) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifampin)." Hoechst Marion Roussel
- Askgaard DS, Wilcke T, Dossing M (1995) "Hepatotoxicity caused by the combined action of isoniazid and rifampicin." Thorax, 50, p. 213-4
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
- Canadian Pharmacists Association (2006) e-CPS. http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
- (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." Chartwell RX, LLC.
- (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (Arrotex) (isoniazid)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
- (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." RPH Pharmaceuticals AB
- 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/
- 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
- (2021) "Product Information. Isotamine (isoniazid)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
- (2022) "Product Information. Rifampin (rifAMPin)." Akorn Inc
- (2022) "Product Information. Rifampicin (rifampicin)." Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
- (2023) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifampicin)." Sanofi
- (2024) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifaMPICin)." Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd
- (2019) "Product Information. Rofact (rifampin)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
rifAMPin methotrexate
Applies to: isoniazid / rifampin and methotrexate
GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration of methotrexate with other agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Methotrexate, especially at higher dosages or during prolonged treatment, has been associated with severe hepatotoxicity including acute hepatitis, chronic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and fatal liver failure.
MANAGEMENT: The risk of hepatic injury should be considered when methotrexate is used with other potentially hepatotoxic agents (e.g., acetaminophen; alcohol; androgens and anabolic steroids; antituberculous agents; azole antifungal agents; ACE inhibitors; cyclosporine (high dosages); disulfiram; endothelin receptor antagonists; interferons; ketolide and macrolide antibiotics; kinase inhibitors; minocycline; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; proteasome inhibitors; retinoids; sulfonamides; tamoxifen; thiazolidinediones; tolvaptan; vincristine; zileuton; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, hydantoins, felbamate, and valproic acid; lipid-lowering medications such as fenofibrate, lomitapide, mipomersen, niacin, and statins; herbals and nutritional supplements such as black cohosh, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, kava, pennyroyal oil, and red yeast rice). Baseline and periodic monitoring of hepatic function is recommended, while liver biopsy may be warranted during long-term use of methotrexate. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience potential signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fever, rash, itching, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice.
References
- (2002) "Product Information. Methotrexate (methotrexate)." Lederle Laboratories
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
- (2023) "Product Information. Methotrexate (methotrexate)." Hospira Inc
methotrexate isoniazid
Applies to: methotrexate and isoniazid / rifampin
GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration of methotrexate with other agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Methotrexate, especially at higher dosages or during prolonged treatment, has been associated with severe hepatotoxicity including acute hepatitis, chronic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and fatal liver failure.
MANAGEMENT: The risk of hepatic injury should be considered when methotrexate is used with other potentially hepatotoxic agents (e.g., acetaminophen; alcohol; androgens and anabolic steroids; antituberculous agents; azole antifungal agents; ACE inhibitors; cyclosporine (high dosages); disulfiram; endothelin receptor antagonists; interferons; ketolide and macrolide antibiotics; kinase inhibitors; minocycline; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; proteasome inhibitors; retinoids; sulfonamides; tamoxifen; thiazolidinediones; tolvaptan; vincristine; zileuton; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, hydantoins, felbamate, and valproic acid; lipid-lowering medications such as fenofibrate, lomitapide, mipomersen, niacin, and statins; herbals and nutritional supplements such as black cohosh, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, kava, pennyroyal oil, and red yeast rice). Baseline and periodic monitoring of hepatic function is recommended, while liver biopsy may be warranted during long-term use of methotrexate. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience potential signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fever, rash, itching, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice.
References
- (2002) "Product Information. Methotrexate (methotrexate)." Lederle Laboratories
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
- (2023) "Product Information. Methotrexate (methotrexate)." Hospira Inc
Drug and food interactions
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
- (2022) "Product Information. Rifampin (rifAMPin)." Akorn Inc
- (2022) "Product Information. Rifampicin (rifampicin)." Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
- (2023) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifampicin)." Sanofi
- (2024) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifaMPICin)." Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd
- 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/
- (2019) "Product Information. Rofact (rifampin)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
methotrexate food
Applies to: methotrexate
MONITOR: Limited data suggest that consumption of greater than 180 mg/day of caffeine may interfere with the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may be related to the antagonistic effect of caffeine on adenosine receptors, as anti-inflammatory properties of MTX is thought to result from the accumulation of adenosine. In a study of 39 patients treated with MTX 7.5 mg/week (without folate supplementation) for 3 months, patients with high caffeine intake (more than 180 mg/day) experienced significantly less improvement in morning stiffness and joint pain from baseline than patients with low caffeine intake (less than 120 mg/day). There were no significant differences between the responses of patients with moderate caffeine intake (120 to 180 mg/day) and those of the other 2 groups. In an interview of 91 patients treated with MTX, 26% of patients who discontinued the drug were regular coffee drinkers compared to only 2% of those still receiving the drug. Because treatment failure was the reason for MTX discontinuation in 80% of patients who discontinued, the investigators suggested that caffeine may have interfered with MTX efficacy.
MANAGEMENT: Until further information is available, the potential for interaction should be considered in patients who consume substantial amounts of caffeine and caffeine-containing foods and are prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. It may be appropriate to limit caffeine intake if an interaction is suspected in cases of treatment failure.
References
- Nesher G, Mates M, Zevin S (2003) "Effect of caffeine consumption on efficacy of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis." Arthritis Rheum, 48, p. 571-572
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
- Smith CK, Durack DT (1978) "Isoniazid and reaction to cheese." Ann Intern Med, 88, p. 520-1
- Dimartini A (1995) "Isoniazid, tricyclics and the ''cheese reaction''." Int Clin Psychopharmacol, 10, p. 197-8
- Uragoda CG, Kottegoda SR (1977) "Adverse reactions to isoniazid on ingestion of fish with a high histamine content." Tubercle, 58, p. 83-9
- Self TH, Chrisman CR, Baciewicz AM, Bronze MS (1999) "Isoniazid drug and food interactions." Am J Med Sci, 317, p. 304-11
- (2021) "Product Information. Isoniazid/Rifapentine 300 mg/300 mg (Macleods) (isoniazid-rifapentine)." Imported (India), 2
- (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." Chartwell RX, LLC.
- (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (Arrotex) (isoniazid)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
- (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." RPH Pharmaceuticals AB
- 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
- 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/
- Wang P, Pradhan K, Zhong XB, Ma X (2016) "Isoniazid metabolism and hepatoxicity." Acta Pharm Sin B, 6, p. 384-92
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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#!/
- 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
- (2021) "Product Information. Isotamine (isoniazid)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
methotrexate food
Applies to: methotrexate
GENERALLY AVOID: Coadministration of methotrexate with other agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Methotrexate, especially at higher dosages or during prolonged treatment, has been associated with severe hepatotoxicity including acute hepatitis, chronic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and fatal liver failure.
MANAGEMENT: The risk of hepatic injury should be considered when methotrexate is used with other potentially hepatotoxic agents (e.g., acetaminophen; alcohol; androgens and anabolic steroids; antituberculous agents; azole antifungal agents; ACE inhibitors; cyclosporine (high dosages); disulfiram; endothelin receptor antagonists; interferons; ketolide and macrolide antibiotics; kinase inhibitors; minocycline; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents; nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; proteasome inhibitors; retinoids; sulfonamides; tamoxifen; thiazolidinediones; tolvaptan; vincristine; zileuton; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, hydantoins, felbamate, and valproic acid; lipid-lowering medications such as fenofibrate, lomitapide, mipomersen, niacin, and statins; herbals and nutritional supplements such as black cohosh, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, kava, pennyroyal oil, and red yeast rice). Baseline and periodic monitoring of hepatic function is recommended, while liver biopsy may be warranted during long-term use of methotrexate. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience potential signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity such as fever, rash, itching, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice.
References
- (2002) "Product Information. Methotrexate (methotrexate)." Lederle Laboratories
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
- (2023) "Product Information. Methotrexate (methotrexate)." Hospira Inc
methotrexate food
Applies to: methotrexate
MONITOR: Limited data suggest that consumption of greater than 180 mg/day of caffeine may interfere with the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may be related to the antagonistic effect of caffeine on adenosine receptors, as anti-inflammatory properties of MTX is thought to result from the accumulation of adenosine. In a study of 39 patients treated with MTX 7.5 mg/week (without folate supplementation) for 3 months, patients with high caffeine intake (more than 180 mg/day) experienced significantly less improvement in morning stiffness and joint pain from baseline than patients with low caffeine intake (less than 120 mg/day). There were no significant differences between the responses of patients with moderate caffeine intake (120 to 180 mg/day) and those of the other 2 groups. In an interview of 91 patients treated with MTX, 26% of patients who discontinued the drug were regular coffee drinkers compared to only 2% of those still receiving the drug. Because treatment failure was the reason for MTX discontinuation in 80% of patients who discontinued, the investigators suggested that caffeine may have interfered with MTX efficacy.
MANAGEMENT: Until further information is available, the potential for interaction should be considered in patients who consume substantial amounts of caffeine and caffeine-containing foods and are prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. It may be appropriate to limit caffeine intake if an interaction is suspected in cases of treatment failure.
References
- Nesher G, Mates M, Zevin S (2003) "Effect of caffeine consumption on efficacy of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis." Arthritis Rheum, 48, p. 571-572
Therapeutic duplication warnings
No warnings were found for your selected drugs.
Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.
See also
Drug Interaction Classification
Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
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. | |
No interaction information available. |
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