Rifaximin
Description
Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat diarrhea caused by the common bacteria
known as E. coli (traveler's diarrhea).
Uses
- Traveler’s diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Contraindications/ Do not use if
- diarrhea that is not because of bacteria (such as viral diarrhea)
- Diarrhea with fever
- Bloody diarrhea
- Liver disease
- If you are allergic to Rifaximin, Rifampin, Rifapentine or Rifabutin
- If you are suffering from abdominal pain, constipation or blockage in the bowel
Contraindications
When should one not use Rifaximin
- Diarrhea that is not because of bacteria (such as viral diarrhea)
- Diarrhea with fever
- Bloody diarrhea
- Liver disease
- If you are allergic to Rifaximin, Rifampin, Rifapentine or Rifabutin
- If you are suffering from abdominal pain, constipation or blockage in the bowel
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Urgency to empty your bowels
- Abnormal test results in white blood cells
- Loss of appetite, loss of body fluid (dehydration)
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Rifaximin during pregnancy?
A:
Rifaximin is not recommended in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Rifaximin while breastfeeding?
A:
It is unknown if Rifaximin passes in breast milk. Rifaximin is, therefore, not to be used if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Rifaximin?
A:
Safe to drive as Rifaximin is unlikely to impair driving ability. If you feel dizzy, do not drive.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Rifaximin?
A:
No known interaction of alcohol and Rifaximin.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- If you develop severe diarrhea during or after using Rifaximin, you should immediately stop the medication
- Your urine may become reddish in colour while taking Rifaximin, this is expected and normal
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Rifaximin works by interfering with bacterial cell growth mechanics; thus, bacterial growth is stalled, and the existing ones are killed by immunity or when their lifecycle ends. Rifaximin is used to treat bacterial infections in the intestine. It passes through the stomach and intestines without being absorbed into the bloodstream....
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines as Rifaximin may interact with other medications such as Azithromycin, Diltiazem, Warfarin, Erythromycin, anti-fungal medications. It may also interact with BCG and cholera vaccines, Ciclosporin....
Interactions with food items
Rifaximin may interact with grapefruit or its juice.
Dietary Restrictions
Avoid grapefruit.
Dosage
Overdose
No specific information is available on the symptoms and treatment of overdose with Rifaximin. However, in acute or long term accidental or intentional overdose, discontinue Rifaximin and seek emergency medical attention immediately....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose. It is recommended not to miss a dose of antibiotics as it can lead to antibiotic resistance....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Abhishek B L
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before starting on this medication?
A: Some medical conditions and this medicine may interact with Rifaximin. Tell your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially of liver diseases, if any. You must give details about the nature of diarrhea, whether it is with or without fever, whether you are taking any antibiotics for some other condition (because some antibiotics cause diarrhea), presence or absence of blood in stools, etc. Tell your doctor about ongoing medications, herbal preparations or dietary supplements. The doctor needs to know if you are allergic to Rifampin (medicine given in tuberculosis and leprosy), Rifapentine, Rifabutin or Rifaximin itself. Share this information if you have any history.
References
View All
- Ema.rifaximin. [Accessed 25.Jun.2019] (online)
- Lactmed.rifaximin. [Accessed 25.Jun.2019] (online) Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Rifaximin. [Updated 2018 Dec 3].
- Mayoclinic.rifaximin. [Accessed 25.Jun.2019] (online)
- Dailymed.rifaximin. [Accessed 25.Jun.2019] (online)
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