What to avoid when taking rifaximin?

While taking rifaximin (Xifaxan), there are no known interactions with foods or drinks, but it's important to exercise caution regarding alcohol consumption.

Food and Drink Considerations

When prescribed rifaximin, you generally won't need to make specific dietary changes. There are currently no known interactions between rifaximin and any particular foods or non-alcoholic drinks. This means you can typically continue your usual eating and drinking habits without concern for affecting the medication's efficacy or increasing side effects.

Alcohol and Rifaximin: What You Should Know

The primary area of caution when taking rifaximin is alcohol. While it's unknown if drinking alcohol directly affects how rifaximin works in your body, there are important considerations:

• Increased Risk of Side Effects: Alcohol can potentially increase the likelihood or severity of certain side effects associated with rifaximin, such as dizziness or tiredness. Both alcohol and rifaximin can cause these symptoms independently, and combining them may amplify these effects, impacting your ability to perform daily activities safely.
• Immune System Impact: Beyond immediate side effects, heavy alcohol consumption is known to suppress the immune system. If you are taking rifaximin for an infection, a weakened immune response due to heavy drinking could hinder your body's ability to effectively fight the infection, potentially prolonging recovery or making treatment less effective.

It's always a good practice to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider when starting any new medication. They can provide personalized advice based on your health condition and the specific reason for your rifaximin prescription.