Rifaximin

The Basics

What is Rifaximin?

Used to treat diarrhea caused by E. coli.

Brand names for Rifaximin

Xifaxan

How Rifaximin is classified

Anti-Infective Agents, Gastrointestinal Agents, Rifamycins

Rifaximin During Pregnancy

Rifaximin pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Rifaximin while pregnant

There are no available data on XIFAXAN use in pregnant women to inform any drug associated risks. Teratogenic effects were observed in animal reproduction studies following administration of rifaximin to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.9 to 5 times and 0.7 to 33 times, respectively of the recommended human doses of 600 mg to 1650 mg per day. In rabbits, ocular, oral and maxillofacial, cardiac, and lumbar spine malformations were observed. Ocular malformations were observed in both rats and rabbits at doses that caused reduced maternal body weight gain . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

Taking Rifaximin While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Rifaximin?

Rifaximin is poorly absorbed orally and used only for gastrointestinal infections. It is not likely to reach the breastmilk or bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants after maternal use. However, no published experience exists with rifaximin during breastfeeding; therefore, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Rifaximin is poorly absorbed orally and used only for gastrointestinal infections. It is not likely to reach the breastmilk or bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants after maternal use. However, no published experience exists with rifaximin during breastfeeding; therefore, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Rifaximin on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Rifaximin

None listed