Drug interactions
Aluminum hydroxide + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Aluminum hydroxide and Rifampin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Antacids may reduce the absorption of rifampin. Lower rifampin levels could compromise treatment of tuberculosis or other infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aluminum hydroxide and Rifampin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Aluminum hydroxide may bind or otherwise impair gastrointestinal absorption of rifampin.
What to do
Give rifampin at least 1 hour before the antacid. Monitor clinical response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Aluminum hydroxide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aluminum hydroxide with Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aluminum hydroxide and Rifampin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Antacids may reduce the absorption of rifampin. Lower rifampin levels could compromise treatment of tuberculosis or other infections.
How serious is the interaction between Aluminum hydroxide and Rifampin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give rifampin at least 1 hour before the antacid. Monitor clinical response.
What other medicines interact with Aluminum hydroxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aluminum hydroxide with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Deferasirox, Dolutegravir. The full list is on the Aluminum hydroxide page.
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