Senna - Xifaxan (Rifaximin) Interaction
Herbal: Senna
Also Known As: Senna alexandrina, Alexandrian Senna, Alexandrinische Senna, Casse, Fan Xie Ye, Indian Senna, Khartoum Senna, Khatoum Senna, Sen, Sena Alejandrina, Séné, Sennae Folium, Sennae Fructus, Sennosides, Tinnevelly Senna, True Senna
Drug: Rifaximin
Brand names:
Xifaxan
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Rifaximin and Senna. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Senna Overview
Senna is a plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and it is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. Senna contains compounds called sennosides, which are found in the leaves, stem, and pods of the plant. These compounds stimulate the muscles in the walls of the intestine, causing the bowel to contract and move waste through the intestines.
Senna is used as a natural laxative to help relieve constipation. It is often marketed as a 'natural vegetable laxative'. It is available in a number of forms, including tablets, capsules, and a liquid extract.
Although it can cause dependence with long-term use (i.e., the body becomes dependent on it for regular bowel movements), when compared to other stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl, it is considered safer in that regard.
Rifaximin Overview
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Rifaximin 200-mg tablets are used to treat traveler's diarrhea caused by certain bacteria in adults and children at least 12 years of age. Rifaximin 550-mg tablets are used to prevent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (changes in thinking, behavior, and personality caused by a build-up of toxins in the brain in people who have liver disease) in adults who have liver disease and to treat irritable bowel syndrome (with diarrhea) in adults. Rifaximin is in a class of medications called antibiotics. Rifaximin treats traveler's diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome by stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause diarrhea. Rifaximin treats hepatic encephalopathy by stopping the growth of bacteria that produce toxins and that may worsen liver disease. Rifaximin will not work to treat traveler's diarrhea that is bloody or occurs with fever.
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Antibiotics such as rifaximin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Senna - More Interactions
Senna interacts with 140 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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