Bear's Garlic - Xifaxan (Rifaximin) Interaction
Herbal: Bear's Garlic
Also Known As: Allium ursinum, Ail des Bois, Ail à Feuilles Larges, Ail des Ours, Ail Pétiolé, Ajo de Oso, Ajo Silvestre, Baerlauch, Bear Garlic, Broad-leaved Garlic, Hog's Garlic, Ramsons, Wild Garlic, Wood Garlic
Drug: Rifaximin
Brand names:
Xifaxan
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 15, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Rifaximin and Bear's Garlic. 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.
Bear's Garlic Overview
Bear's garlic, also known as wild garlic or Allium ursinum, is a perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. The herb and bulb of bear's garlic are commonly used in culinary applications, prized for their mild garlic flavor. Bear's garlic contains various beneficial compounds, including glucopyranoside, kaempferol, and flavonoids, although levels of alliin, a compound found in garlic, are lower in bear's garlic. It's important to note that many of these compounds are degraded if the plant is dried.
Research suggests that bear's garlic exhibits cardioprotective effects, with in vitro studies showing promising results. It moderately inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which could contribute to its purported cardioprotective and blood pressure-lowering effects. Additionally, bear's garlic leaf extract has been found to inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro, mainly through the inhibition of the ADP pathway. Specific non-sulphur constituents, such as 1,2-di-O-alpha-linolenoyl-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol and beta-sitosterol-3-O-beta-D-glucoside, appear to be the most active antiplatelet constituents, along with some flavonoids.
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.
Bear's Garlic - More Interactions
Bear's Garlic interacts with 121 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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