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Drug Interactions between isoniazid / rifampin and sulfadoxine

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 It should also be restarted in very small, gradually increasing doses and immediately withdrawn if there is any indication of recurrent liver involvement.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

rifAMPin sulfadoxine

Applies to: isoniazid / rifampin and sulfadoxine

MONITOR: Coadministration of rifampin with agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. There are various possible mechanisms related to rifampin-associated hepatotoxicity described in product labeling and medical literature, however no consensus has been made. These include increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, apoptotic liver cell injury (in rodent studies), the development of cholestasis, hepatic lipid accumulation, and elevated toxic metabolites caused by rifampin-mediated induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Cases of drug-induced liver injury (including fatal cases) have been reported within the first few days to months following rifampin treatment initiation. Additional data suggests that 1-2% of patients receiving rifampin monotherapy for tuberculosis prophylaxis experience hepatotoxicity. The severity of hepatotoxicity from rifampin ranges from asymptomatic elevations in liver enzymes, jaundice and/or hyperbilirubinemia, and symptomatic self-limiting hepatitis to fulminant liver failure and death. In most cases, liver function recovers upon on discontinuation of rifampin treatment, however, progression to acute liver failure requiring liver transplantation is possible. Known risk factors that may predispose the patient to rifampin related hepatotoxicity include: coadministration with other hepatotoxic agents, alcoholism, existing liver disease, malnutrition, extensive liver tuberculosis, liver adenocarcinoma and biliary tract neoplasm. Clinical data have been reported with concurrent use of rifampin with other antituberculosis agents (e.g. isoniazid, pyrazinamide), acetaminophen, antiretroviral agents (e.g., saquinavir/ritonavir) and halothane. Data with other hepatotoxic agents are limited.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and close clinical monitoring should be considered if rifampin is coadministered with other hepatotoxic medications. In addition, the manufacturer recommends patients with impaired liver function only be given rifampin in cases of necessity and then under strict medical supervision. Some authorities consider rifampin treatment in patients with existing liver injury contraindicated (Canada). In cases where coadministration of rifampin with hepatotoxic agents is required, careful monitoring of liver function, especially ALT and AST, should be done prior to therapy and then every 2 to 4 weeks during therapy. If hepatic damage is suspected, rifampin should be immediately discontinued. Furthermore, if hepatitis is attributed to rifampin in patients with tuberculosis, alternative agents should be considered. Patients should be instructed to contact their physician immediately if they experience symptoms such as itching, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin or dark urine.

References

  1. 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
  2. (2022) "Product Information. Rifampin (rifAMPin)." Akorn Inc
  3. (2022) "Product Information. Rifampicin (rifampicin)." Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
  4. (2023) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifampicin)." Sanofi
  5. (2024) "Product Information. Rifadin (rifaMPICin)." Sanofi-Aventis Australia Pty Ltd
  6. Zhuang X, Li L, liu t, zhang r, Yang P, Wang X, et al. (2024) Mechanisms of isoniazid and rifampicin-induced liver injury and the effects of natural medicinal ingredients: A review https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1037814/full
  7. (2019) "Product Information. Rofact (rifampin)." Bausch Health, Canada Inc.
View all 7 references

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Moderate

isoniazid sulfadoxine

Applies to: isoniazid / rifampin and sulfadoxine

MONITOR: Coadministration of isoniazid (INH) with other agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. 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 INH's acetylation is genetically determined and generally classified as slow or rapid, with slow acetylators characterized by a relative lack of N-acetyltransferase. While the rate of acetylation does not significantly alter INH's effectiveness, it can lead to higher blood levels of INH and an increase of adverse reactions. In addition, INH is an in vitro inhibitor of several CYP450 isoenzymes (2C9, 2C19, 2E1, and 3A4). Coadministration of hepatotoxic drugs eliminated by one or more of these pathways may lead to elevated concentrations of the concomitant drug and increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. Most of the INH-associated hepatitis cases occur during the first 3 months of treatment, but may occur at any time and have been reported to be severe or even fatal. INH is reported in medical literature to cause clinically apparent acute liver injury with jaundice in 0.5% to 1% and fatality in 0.05% to 0.1% of recipients. A United States Public Health Service Surveillance Study of 13,838 people taking INH reported 8 deaths among 174 cases of hepatitis. Risk factors for INH related liver injury may include: age > 35 years, female gender, postpartum period, daily consumption of alcohol, injection drug user, slow acetylator phenotype, malnutrition, HIV infection, pre-existing liver disease, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, and concomitant use of hepatotoxic medications. Clinical data have been reported with concurrent use of acetaminophen, alcohol, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and rifampin.

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of isoniazid (INH) with other hepatotoxic medications should be done with caution and close clinical monitoring. Some authorities recommend avoiding concurrent use when possible. If coadministration is needed, baseline and monthly liver function testing as well as monthly interviewing of the patient to check for signs and symptoms of adverse effects is recommended. More frequent testing may be advisable in patients at increased risk of INH-associated liver injury. 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. 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. If hepatic damage is suspected, INH should be immediately discontinued as continuation may lead to more severe damage. If hepatitis is attributed to INH in patients with tuberculosis, alternative drugs should be used. 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. Consultation with product labeling and relevant guidelines is advisable.

References

  1. (2021) "Product Information. Isoniazid/Rifapentine 300 mg/300 mg (Macleods) (isoniazid-rifapentine)." Imported (India), 2
  2. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." Chartwell RX, LLC.
  3. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (Arrotex) (isoniazid)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  4. (2023) "Product Information. Isoniazid (isoniazid)." RPH Pharmaceuticals AB
  5. 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
  6. 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/
  7. Metushi I, Uetrecht J, Phillips E (2016) "Mechanism of isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity: then and now." Br J Clin Pharmacol, 81, p. 1030-6
  8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2024) LiverTox: clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury [internet]. Isoniazid. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548754/
  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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Therapeutic duplication warnings

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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.