[Teratogenic action of Rifaximin in the rat and rabbit and its effect on perinatal development in the rat].

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the teratogenic action and the effect on perinatal development of Rifaximin. Teratogenic action of Rifaximin was studied in the rat and in the rabbit. The drug was administered by gavage during organogenesis period at 50 and 100 mg/kg; idroxyurea and thalidomide were used as teratogenic drugs. The effect on physical and behavioural development of the pups was studied in the rat at 50 and 100 mg/kg during the foetal period and suckling time. The search for malformation of internal organs was carried out on the half of the fetuses fixed according to Wilson; the examination of the skeleton of the other fetuses was carried out according to Dawson. Some parameters of physical and behavioural development were evaluated in the pups. Rifaximin at these dosages has no teratogenic effects and does not influence the psychophysical development of the pups.