Indinavir and Rifabutin: Drug Interaction Guide

Quick answer: This combination requires caution. Indinavir and Rifabutin can be used together with adjustments and monitoring.

Interaction severity: Moderate — caution required

How Indinavir interacts with Rifabutin

Indinavir strongly inhibits CYP3A4-mediated rifabutin metabolism, raising rifabutin exposure and risk of uveitis, neutropenia, and arthralgia, while rifabutin induces CYP3A4 lowering indinavir levels.

What you should do

Reduce rifabutin dose to 150 mg daily or three times weekly and increase indinavir to 1000 mg every 8 hours, with monitoring of full blood count and ophthalmic review.

Key facts

Severity

Moderate — caution required

Mechanism

Indinavir strongly inhibits CYP3A4-mediated rifabutin metabolism, raising rifabutin exposure and risk of uveitis, neutro...

Action

Reduce rifabutin dose to 150 mg daily or three times weekly and increase indinavir to 1000 mg every 8 hours, with monito...

Important medical disclaimer: This page provides educational information about drug interactions for general reference. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always discuss your specific medications with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment. About our editorial team.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Indinavir and Rifabutin together?

With caution. Reduce rifabutin dose to 150 mg daily or three times weekly and increase indinavir to 1000 mg every 8 hours, with monitoring of full blood count and ophthalmic review.

What is the severity of this interaction?

The interaction between Indinavir and Rifabutin is classified as Moderate — caution required. Indinavir strongly inhibits CYP3A4-mediated rifabutin metabolism, raising rifabutin exposure and risk of uveitis, neutropenia, and arthralgia, while rifabutin induces CYP3A4 lowering indinavir levels.

What should I do if I'm prescribed both?

Reduce rifabutin dose to 150 mg daily or three times weekly and increase indinavir to 1000 mg every 8 hours, with monitoring of full blood count and ophthalmic review. Always consult your prescribing clinician — do not stop or change medications without medical guidance.

Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.