Rifaximin
Molecule Description
Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat diarrhea caused by the common bacteria
known as E. coli (traveler's diarrhea).
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 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
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)
Precautions and Warnings of Rifaximin
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 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 treat bacterial infections in the intestine. It passes through the stomach and intestines without being absorbed into the bloodstream....
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 interact with BCG and cholera vaccines, Ciclosporin....
Interactions with food items
Rifaximin may interact with grapefruit or its juice.
Dietary Restrictions of Rifaximin
Avoid grapefruit.
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 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)
Recent articles
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.
Top-Tests we cover:
Top-Selling Healthcare Products:
Top-Selling Medicines:
Top-Searched Medicines:
Azee|