RIFAXIMIN
Background and Date of Approval
Rifaximin is an antibiotic that received initial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 27 May 2004.
Uses
It is used to treat travelerâs diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli in adults. It is also used to prevent the recurrence of episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy (symptomatic loss of brain function) in adults with liver disease. This medicine can be used alone or in combination with medicines containing lactulose.
How is it administered?
Rifaximin is available as a tablet in doses of 200mg, 400mg, and 550mg. Always use this medicine as exactly prescribed by your doctor. Depending on the condition being treated, your physician decides the dose, dosage, and duration of the treatment. Take the tablet at the same time every day, with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets.
Side Effects
The common side effects of rifaximin are swelling of the legs and feet, abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal swelling, dizziness, headache, and tiredness. Other serious side effects are allergic reactions and anemia.
Warnings
Do not take Rifaximin if you are allergic to Rifaximin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to similar types of antibiotics, such as rifamycin, rifampicin, or rifabutin. Do not take this medicine if your physician informs you that you have a blockage in your intestine. Do not take this medicine if you have a fever, blood in stools, or have passed over eight or more unformed stools in the last 24 hours.
Precautions
This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents aged less than 18 years of age. Inform your physician if you have liver problems before starting the treatment. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you take more than the recommended number of tablets unknowingly, seek medical advice immediately. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vaccines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications like warfarin, and oral contraceptives may interact with Rifaximin and reduce their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
Word of Advice
During rifaximin treatment, urine may appear reddish in colour. This medicine can cause severe diarrhoea. Inform your doctor if diarrhoea persists for several weeks. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Inform your doctor if you are taking oral contraceptives (medicines to prevent pregnancy). Your doctor may recommend certain tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of therapy.
References
The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common side effects of Rifaximin?
The most common side effects of Rifaximin are headache, swelling of the feet and legs, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and abdominal swelling. Inform your physician if these side effects persist for a longer duration.
Is Rifaximin effective for all types of diarrhea?
Rifaximin is specifically approved for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea and diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome. It may not be effective for other types of diarrhea complicated by fever or blood in the stool.
Is it necessary to complete the full course of Rifaximin treatment?
It is generally recommended to complete the full course of Rifaximin treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Even if symptoms improve, stopping the medication prematurely may increase the risk of recurrence or incomplete elimination of the bacteria.
Can patients with kidney problems consume rifaximin?
It is unknown whether patients with kidney diseases can take rifaximin. Consult your doctor if you have any kidney diseases.
Does rifaximin interact with other medications?
Certain medications like warfarin, oral contraceptives can interact with rifaximin and can cause potential side effects. Inform your physician about all the medications that you are taking, including vitamin, nutritional, or herbal supplements.