Rifaximin is a prescription medicine. It is primarily used for the treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy. The alternative uses of Rifaximin have also been explained below.
Medical history of the patient along with age and gender determines the dosage of Rifaximin. Individual symptoms and route of administration also determines the right dosage. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.
The side effects typically associated with Rifaximin include Flatulence, Bloating or fullness, Constipation. Besides the aforementioned side effects, there are other adverse effects of Rifaximin as well, which are listed below. Usually, these side effects of Rifaximin go away soon, and do not persist beyond the duration of the treatment. If, however, they worsen or do not go away, please speak with your physician.
Furthermore, you should know that effect of Rifaximin is Severe for pregnant women and Severe for women who are breastfeeding. It is important to know if Rifaximin has any effect on the kidney, liver and heart. Information on such adverse effects, if any, has been given in the Rifaximin related warnings section.
Other contraindications of Rifaximin have been discussed in the sections ahead.
Drug reaction of Rifaximin with other medicines has been reported. See below for a complete list.
You should also be aware that Rifaximin is safe while driving, and is addiction.
Rifaximin is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
| Age Group | Dosage |
| Adult |
|
| 13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
| Geriatric |
|
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Rifaximin is used -
Moderate
Mild
Common
Is the use of Rifaximin safe for pregnant women?
Rifaximin has many dangerous side effects in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, do not consume Rifaximin without medical advice.
Is the use of Rifaximin safe during breastfeeding?
Rifaximin should not be taken without taking your doctor's advice, as it may have severe side effects on breastfeeding women.
What is the effect of Rifaximin on the Kidneys?
Rifaximin is not harmful for kidneys.
What is the effect of Rifaximin on the Liver?
Rifaximin is rarely harmful for the liver.
What is the effect of Rifaximin on the Heart?
You can take Rifaximin without any fear of damage to the heart.
Rifaximin should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Rifaximin unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Rifaximin habit forming or addictive?
Rifaximin does not cause addiction.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
Rifaximin will not make you feel sleepy or drowsy. So you drive or operate machinery safely.
Is it safe?
Rifaximin should be used only after doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
There is no benefit of taking Rifaximin for mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Rifaximin
It is safe to take Rifaximin with food.
Interaction between Alcohol and Rifaximin
No research has been done on this till date. Therefore, it is not known what the effect of taking Rifaximin with alcohol will be.
Rarely, Rifaximin causes fatigue. It is an uncommon side effect of this drug. However, the exact cause of fatigue is unknown. If you experience tiredness after taking this drug, then try to take some rest even after that if you feel excessive tiredness then do discuss it with your doctor.
Usually, Rifaximin is given for short-term treatment 2 -14 days which might vary depending on the patient's medical condition. Take Rifaximin as directed by your doctor to ensure complete eradication of infection. Do not take this medicine longer than prescribed duration to avoid bacterial resistance.
No, Rifaximin is not a penicillin. It contains rifaximin which is a broad spectrum antibiotic and an analog of rifampicin. It is a prescription drug that is used in the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea (TD), hepatic encephalopathy, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
Yes, Rifaximin may cause orange urine because it is an analog of rifampicin. This side effect is reversible and unharmful in nature which goes away after discontinuation of this drug.
Discontinuing Rifaximin on your own can increase the chances of bacterial resistance and infection relapse. It is recommended that you always consult your doctor if you have decided to discontinue this medicine.
This medicine data has been created by -
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Xifaxan® (rifaximin)
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 681-683
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 1096-1097
