Xifaxan (rifaximin) is an antibiotic that fights bacterial infection only in the intestines.
Rifaximin works differently from other antibiotics because it passes through your stomach and into your intestines without being absorbed into your blood stream. Because rifaximin treats only the intestinal tract, it will not treat infections of other parts of the body.
Xifaxan is used to treat travelers" diarrhea caused by E. coli in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Most people get this infection by eating food or drinking fluids that have been contaminated with the E. coli bacteria.
Xifaxan is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome in adults whose main symptom is diarrhea.
Xifaxan is also used to lower the risk of worsened brain function in adults with liver failure. Brain function can be affected when the liver stops working and cannot remove toxic substances from the body.
Important information
You should not use take Xifaxan if you are allergic to rifaximin or medications such as rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate), or rifapentine (Priftin).
Before you take Xifaxan, tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease, diarrhea with fever, or diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it.
Take Xifaxan for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Rifaximin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu, or any form of diarrhea that is caused by a virus. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 24 hours, or if they get worse while taking this medicine. Xifaxan does not treat all bacterial forms of traveler"s diarrhea.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Xifaxan if you are allergic to rifaximin, rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine.
To make sure Xifaxan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
It is not known whether Xifaxan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether rifaximin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Xifaxan should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.
How should I take Xifaxan?
Take Xifaxan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take Xifaxan with or without food.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Rifaximin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 24 hours, or if they get worse while using this medicine.
Xifaxan does not treat all bacterial forms of traveler"s diarrhea.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Xifaxan dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Traveler"s Diarrhea:
200 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days
Comments:
-Should not use in patients with diarrhea complicated by fever and/or blood in the stool or diarrhea caused by pathogens other than Escherichia coli
Use: For the treatment of travelers" diarrhea due to noninvasive strains of E coli
Usual Adult Dose for Hepatic Encephalopathy:
550 mg orally twice a day
Comments:
-In trials, lactulose was used concomitantly in 91% of patients; differences in treatment effect of patients not using concomitant lactulose could not be assessed.
Use: For reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence
Usual Pediatric Dose for Traveler"s Diarrhea:
12 years or older: 200 mg orally 3 times a day for 3 days
Comments:
-Should not use in patients with diarrhea complicated by fever and/or blood in the stool or diarrhea caused by pathogens other than E coli
Use: For the treatment of travelers" diarrhea due to noninvasive strains of E coli
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Xifaxan?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Xifaxan side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Xifaxan: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Xifaxan and call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
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fever; or
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rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection.
Common Xifaxan side effects may include:
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swelling in your hands, feet, or midsection;
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headache, dizziness;
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tired feeling; or
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abnormal liver function tests.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Xifaxan?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
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cyclosporine;
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lopinavir and ritonavir;
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an antibiotic-azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin;
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antifungal medicine-itraconazole, ketoconazole; or
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heart or blood pressure medicine-amiodarone, captopril, carvedilol, diltiazem, dronedarone, felodipine, quinidine, ranolazine, verapamil.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with rifaximin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
