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molecule

Rifaximin

Molecule Description

Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat diarrhea caused by the common bacteria

known as E. coli (traveler's diarrhea).

uses

Uses of Rifaximin

  • 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

Contraindications of Rifaximin

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
sideEffects

Side effects of Rifaximin

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)
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Rifaximin

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Rifaximin during pregnancy?
A:
Rifaximin is not recommended in pregnancy.
breastfeeding

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

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

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Rifaximin?
A:
No known interaction of alcohol and Rifaximin.
otherGeneralWarnings

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
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Rifaximin

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 ...
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interactions

Interactions of Rifaximin

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 ...
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Interactions with food items

Rifaximin may interact with grapefruit or its juice.
dietaryRestrictions

Dietary Restrictions of Rifaximin

Avoid grapefruit.
dosage

Dosage of Rifaximin

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 emergen...
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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 ...
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Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Abhishek B L

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

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.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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