Drug interactions
Mefloquine + Rifaximin
Severity: Minor
Mefloquine 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
Mefloquine is a P-glycoprotein inhibitor and may marginally raise systemic rifaximin exposure. Any clinical effect is likely to be small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Mefloquine 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.
Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic; Rifaximin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
P-glycoprotein inhibition by mefloquine reduces rifaximin efflux.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed; monitor for rifaximin adverse effects in hepatic impairment.
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 Rifaximin
- Cholera vaccine + Rifaximin Major
- Microbiota + Rifaximin Major
- Amiodarone + Rifaximin Moderate
- Bcg intravesical live + Rifaximin Moderate
- Cyclosporine + Rifaximin Moderate
- Cyclosporin + Rifaximin Moderate
Other interactions of Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Mefloquine with Rifaximin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Mefloquine 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. Mefloquine is a P-glycoprotein inhibitor and may marginally raise systemic rifaximin exposure. Any clinical effect is likely to be small.
How serious is the interaction between Mefloquine 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 usually needed; monitor for rifaximin adverse effects in 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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