Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Rifaximin
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Rifaximin: minor 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
Erythromycin may increase systemic absorption of rifaximin. Systemic exposure of rifaximin is normally very low, so the clinical significance is small except in patients with severe liver impairment or intestinal inflammation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Rifaximin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Rifaximin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits intestinal P-glycoprotein, reducing efflux of rifaximin.
What to do
No dose change is generally required. Be cautious in patients with severe hepatic impairment and monitor for rifaximin adverse effects.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
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 Erythromycin with Rifaximin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Rifaximin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Erythromycin may increase systemic absorption of rifaximin. Systemic exposure of rifaximin is normally very low, so the clinical significance is small except in patients with severe liver impairment or intestinal inflammation.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Rifaximin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is generally required. Be cautious in patients with severe hepatic impairment and monitor for rifaximin adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Erythromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erythromycin with, for example, Conivaptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Erythromycin page.
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