Drug interaction between rifampin and nortriptyline: a case report

Int J Psychiatry Med. 1991;21(2):183-7. doi: 10.2190/KBVT-M0K5-8FPD-439H.

Abstract

This case illustrates a pharmacokinetic interaction between the tricyclic antidepressant, nortriptyline, and the antituberculosis drug, rifampin. Higher than expected doses of nortriptyline were required to obtain a therapeutic drug level while the patient was receiving rifampin. Following the discontinuation of rifampin, the patient became drowsy and the serum nortriptyline levels rose precipitously into the toxic range. The authors suggest that patients receiving rifampin and nortriptyline, (or other psychotropic drugs) be monitored closely and that similar drug interactions be anticipated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder / blood
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / blood
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / psychology
  • Nortriptyline / administration & dosage
  • Nortriptyline / adverse effects*
  • Nortriptyline / pharmacokinetics
  • Rifampin / administration & dosage
  • Rifampin / adverse effects*
  • Rifampin / pharmacokinetics
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / blood
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / drug therapy*
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / psychology

Substances

  • Nortriptyline
  • Rifampin