Drug interactions
Cyclosporine + Rifaximin
Severity: Moderate
Cyclosporine 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
Cyclosporine strongly inhibits P-glycoprotein and caused very large increases in rifaximin systemic exposure in healthy volunteers. This could matter in patients with impaired gut barrier or liver disease, where rifaximin exposure is already higher.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cyclosporine 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.
Why it happens
Cyclosporine inhibition of P-glycoprotein markedly increases rifaximin absorption.
What to do
Use together only if the benefit justifies it and monitor for rifaximin adverse effects. Avoid or reassess in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
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
- Amiodarone + Rifaximin Moderate
- Bcg intravesical live + Rifaximin Moderate
- Cyclosporin + Rifaximin Moderate
- Dronedarone + Rifaximin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cyclosporine with Rifaximin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cyclosporine 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. Cyclosporine strongly inhibits P-glycoprotein and caused very large increases in rifaximin systemic exposure in healthy volunteers. This could matter in patients with impaired gut barrier or liver disease, where rifaximin exposure is already higher.
How serious is the interaction between Cyclosporine 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: Use together only if the benefit justifies it and monitor for rifaximin adverse effects. Avoid or reassess in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
What other medicines interact with Rifaximin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Rifaximin with, for example, Cholera vaccine, Microbiota, Amiodarone. The full list is on the Rifaximin page.
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