Rifaximin Overview

Uses:
Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to:

• Treat traveler’s diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli.
• Prevent hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with liver dysfunction.
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

Mechanism:
Rifaximin works by killing bacteria and inhibiting their growth. However, it is ineffective against viral infections like colds or the flu.

Availability:

This medication is available by prescription only and comes in tablet form.

Before Using Rifaximin

Allergies:
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to medications, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Pediatric Use:

• Safety and efficacy have not been established in children under 12 for traveler’s diarrhea or in children for hepatic encephalopathy and IBS-D.

Geriatric Use:

• No specific issues have been identified that would limit its use in the elderly.

Breastfeeding:

• The effects of rifaximin on breastfeeding infants are not well-studied. Weigh the potential risks and benefits before use during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:
Certain medications may interact with rifaximin. Notify your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Levoketoconazole
• Methotrexate

Other Interactions:
Discuss the use of rifaximin with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.

Medical Conditions:
Inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Diarrhea with blood in the stool or a fever
• Diarrhea caused by antibiotics or not caused by Escherichia coli
• Severe liver disease (use with caution due to slower removal of the drug from the body)

Proper Use

Dosage:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D):
  Adults: 550 mg three times a day for 14 days.
• Traveler’s Diarrhea:
  Adults and children 12 years and older: 200 mg three times a day for 3 days.
• Preventing Hepatic Encephalopathy:
  Adults: 550 mg twice a day.

Missed Dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.

Storage:
Store at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and dispose of properly.

Precautions

Monitoring:
Regular check-ups are essential to ensure the medication is working and to monitor for side effects. Blood tests may be necessary.

Dehydration:
To avoid dehydration from diarrhea, ensure adequate fluid intake. Watch for signs like decreased urination, dizziness, dry mouth, increased thirst, or lightheadedness.

Drug Interactions:
Avoid taking other medications without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Seek Medical Attention if You Experience:

Common Side Effects:

• Bloating
• Constipation
• Headache
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Muscle or joint pain
• Swelling in hands, ankles, or feet

Less Common Side Effects:

• Abnormal dreams
• Blurred vision
• Chills
• Cough
• Dry mouth
• Hearing loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Rare Side Effects:

• Anxiety
• Black, tarry stools
• Bloody urine
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Severe skin reactions

Note:

The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.