Drug interactions
Amiodarone + Rifaximin
Severity: Moderate
Amiodarone and Rifaximin: 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
Amiodarone inhibits P-glycoprotein and may increase systemic rifaximin absorption. Rifaximin's systemic exposure is normally very low, so the effect is of limited importance except in severe liver disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amiodarone and Rifaximin 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.
Amiodarone belongs to Cardiovascular; Rifaximin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
P-glycoprotein inhibition by amiodarone reduces intestinal efflux of rifaximin.
What to do
Rifaximin labeling advises caution with P-gp inhibitors in hepatic impairment; monitor for rifaximin adverse effects and avoid unnecessary dose escalation.
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 Rifaximin
- Cholera vaccine + Rifaximin Major
- Microbiota + Rifaximin Major
- Bcg intravesical live + Rifaximin Moderate
- Cyclosporine + Rifaximin Moderate
- Cyclosporin + Rifaximin Moderate
- Dronedarone + Rifaximin Moderate
Other interactions of Amiodarone
- Amiodarone + Amisulpride Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Arsenic trioxide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amiodarone with Rifaximin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amiodarone and Rifaximin 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. Amiodarone inhibits P-glycoprotein and may increase systemic rifaximin absorption. Rifaximin's systemic exposure is normally very low, so the effect is of limited importance except in severe liver disease.
How serious is the interaction between Amiodarone and Rifaximin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Rifaximin labeling advises caution with P-gp inhibitors in hepatic impairment; monitor for rifaximin adverse effects and avoid unnecessary dose escalation.
What other medicines interact with Rifaximin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rifaximin with, for example, Cholera vaccine, Microbiota, Bcg intravesical live. The full list is on the Rifaximin page.
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