Rifaximin
About Rifaximin
Rifaximin is primarily used to treat diarrhea, It hinders the growth of the bacteria Escherichia coli (Travellers diarrhea). It should be avoided if you are suffering from fever and are losing blood from your stool.
It is only effective for the treatment of bacterial infections, it is inefficient against viral and fungal infections. If used continuously it loses its effectiveness. Along with diarrhea it is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. It may also help you think clearly.
Also, this medicine is also used to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy (improper functioning of the liver). However, this medication is only advisable for treatment if you are 12 years or above. While under medication you may experience some side effects like-
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
- Excessive Tiredness
- Headaches
- and Muscle tightening.
The medicine should be kept in a tight container and in a cool and dry place and out of reach of children.
Take exactly as directed, with meals. Avoid alcohol during and for 24 hours after last dose. With alcohol your may experience severe flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, or chest and abdominal pain.
May discolor urine (brown/black/dark) (normal). You may experience "metallic" taste disturbance or nausea or vomiting (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help).
Refrain from intercourse or use a barrier contraceptive if being treated for trichomoniasis. Report unresolved or severe fatigue; weakness; fever or chills; mouth or vaginal sores; numbness, tingling, or swelling of extremities; difficulty breathing; or lack of improvement or worsening of condition.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the uses of Rifaximin
Traveler's Diarrhea
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the contraindications of Rifaximin ?
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the side effects of Rifaximin ?
Nausea Or Vomiting
Headache
Muscle And Joint Pain
Blurred Vision
Unusual Tiredness And Weakness
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
Key highlights of Rifaximin
How long is the duration of effect?
The effect lasts for roughly about 8 hours in the 200mg tablet and 12 hours in the 550mg tablets.
What is the onset of action?
Its shows its effectiveness in roughly within an hour but is the most efficient after 3 doses as it is poorly absorbed.
Are there any pregnancy warnings?
If you are expecting or are planning on getting pregnant you should consult your doctor before you start this medication.
Is it habit forming?
The medicine is not habit forming but its looses its effectiveness if consumed excessively.
Are there any breast-feeding warnings?
It is know for this drug to pass into the breast milk, consult a doctor before you start.
Is It safe with alcohol?
If you are taking this drug you are already suffering from diarrhoea and liver disfunctions. Its not advisable for you to add fuel to the fire.
Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?
Its rather unsafe to drive if you are suffering from diarrhoea. If you are not suffering from the side effect you can drive with caution, however it is also reported that the drug makes you drowsy.
Does this affect kidney function?
Kidney functions are not know to be affected.
Does this affect liver function?
This drug is to help your liver functioning
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the dosage instructions?
Are there any missed dose instructions?
The 200mg tablets have to be taken at 8 hour intervals and the 550mg tablets are to be taken in 12 hour intervals. You may skip one dose but do not take more than one tablet to make up for it.
Are there any overdose instructions?
In case of overdose contact your physician or visit your nearest clinic. Symptoms of an overdose include headache, rashes, nausea, and vomiting.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
Where is the Rifaximin approved?
India
United States
Japan
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
Medicines containing Rifaximin
Below is the list of medicines, which contains Rifaximin as ingredient
- Rcifax 550 MG Tablet
Lupin Ltd
- Rifarex 400Mg Tablet
Tas Med India Pvt Ltd
- Rifagut 200 MG Tablet
Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd
- Sibofix 400 MG Tablet
Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd
- Rixmin 400 MG Tablet
Cipla Ltd
- Torfix 400 MG Tablet
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Rafle 200 MG Tablet
Alembic Ltd
- Ciboz 400 MG Tablet
Zydus Cadila
- Rifastop 200 MG Tablet
Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Gutwin 200Mg Tablet
Win-Medicare Pvt Ltd
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
How does this medication work?
This medication works by inhibiting the process of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) synthesis by binding with polymerase enzyme receptors and inhibiting the process of transcription.
Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.
What are the interactions of Rifaximin ?
Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.
- test
Interaction with Alcohol
Interaction with Lab Test
Interaction with Medicine
The following class of medicines are to be avoided while taking this medicine are Amiodarone, Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin, Warfarin. Consult your doctor before taking a combination of medicines
Interaction with Disease
The medicine should be avoided when are suffering from fever, else it is supposed to be a relatively safe to use drug. If you have kidney or liver disease, or have certain types of allergies, this medicine will interfere with their treatment.
Interaction with Food
The drug goes well with food as it in itself is low absorbant. Avoid taking it in empty stomach and food with high fat content.
FAQs about Rifaximin
Ques : Should I take Rifaximin with food?
Ans : Yes, this medication can be taken orally with or without food with a glass of water. Take it as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
Ques : What does Rifaximin do for the liver?
Ans : In liver disease, there is an increased growth of bacteria in the intestine which increases the load of toxins traveling through the body. This further increases the possibility of toxins reaching the brain which can cause abnormal brain function. This medication slows down the growth of bacteria in the gut, decreasing the symptoms in cases of liver disease.
Ques : Can Rifaximin cause weight gain?
Ans : Usually, this drug does not cause weight gain. If there is a weight gain in your body, you should consult your doctor to determine the reason for weight gain.
References
Rifaximin-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/rifaximin
Rifaximin-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01220
RIFAXIMIN tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=RIFAXIMIN
Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.
Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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