Drug interactions
Rifaximin + Saquinavir
Severity: Moderate
Rifaximin and Saquinavir: 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
Saquinavir inhibits P-glycoprotein and may increase systemic exposure to rifaximin. The effect matters mostly when baseline absorption is elevated, such as in severe liver disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Rifaximin and Saquinavir 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
P-glycoprotein inhibition by saquinavir reduces efflux of rifaximin.
What to do
Monitor for rifaximin adverse effects, especially in hepatic impairment. Reassess the need for combined use if tolerability problems occur.
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
- Cyclosporine + Rifaximin Moderate
- Cyclosporin + Rifaximin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Rifaximin with Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Rifaximin and Saquinavir 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. Saquinavir inhibits P-glycoprotein and may increase systemic exposure to rifaximin. The effect matters mostly when baseline absorption is elevated, such as in severe liver disease.
How serious is the interaction between Rifaximin and Saquinavir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for rifaximin adverse effects, especially in hepatic impairment. Reassess the need for combined use if tolerability problems occur.
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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