Does Cyclosporine Interact with Rifaximin?
CDI records a moderate classification for Cyclosporine and Rifaximin. The stored summary is: P-glycoprotein inhibitor that significantly increased systemic exposure of rifaximin. In hepatic impairment, potential additive effect of reduced metabolism may further increase rifaximin exposure. Caution should be exercised. The mechanism involves p-glycoprotein and oatp inhibition. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Cyclosporine Class
- Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant
- Rifaximin Class
- Rifamycin Antibacterial
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
P-glycoprotein and OATP inhibition
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Cyclosporine and your doctor is considering prescribing Rifaximin (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider