Last update Feb. 2, 2025

Rifaximin

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Rifamycin-derived antibiotic, non-absorbable, used orally to treat certain diarrhoea and intestinal disorders and topically in dermatology. 

At the time of the last update, we found no published data on breastfeeding, but its almost complete lack of intestinal absorption (< 1%) and its high molecular weight make it very unlikely to pass into milk. (Chen 2010).

On the other hand, its possible side effects are mild, infrequent and almost limited to abdominal discomfort. (Salix 2023, PDR 2014, Alfa 2011)

Expert authors consider the use of this medication during breastfeeding to be probably compatible. (LactMed, Hale, Briggs 2015, Cheb 2010, Mahadevan 2006).

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Rifaximin since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.

Other names

Rifaximin is also known as


Rifaximin in other languages or writings:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. < 0.4 %
Molecular weight 786 daltons
Protein Binding 68 %
2.5 - 6 hours

References

  1. LactMed. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Internet. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/ 2006 - Consulted on April 16, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. Hale TW. Medications & Mothers' Milk. 1991- . Springer Publishing Company. Available from https://www.halesmeds.com Consulted on April 10, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  3. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Towers CV, Forinash AB. Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk. Wolters Kluwer Health. Tenth edition (acces on line) 2015
  4. PDR.net Rifaximin Drug Summary 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  5. Alfa Wassermann Rifaximina Ficha técnica 2011 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Chen LH, Zeind C, Mackell S, LaPointe T, Mutsch M, Wilson ME. Breastfeeding travelers: precautions and recommendations. J Travel Med. 2010 Jan-Feb;17(1):32-47. Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  7. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006 Jul;131(1):283-311. Review. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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