Rifaximin (By mouth)
rif-AX-i-min
Treats traveler’s diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. Also helps prevent recurrence of certain liver problems.
Drug classes
Antibiotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Rifaximin is used to treat traveler’s diarrhea that is caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli. It is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, which is a condition that occurs when your liver does not work normally. This medicine is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that works by killing the bacteria and preventing its growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how rifaximin works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rifaximin or similar medicines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blood in your stools, fever, or worsening of diarrhea
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dizziness
Rapid weight gain, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Xifaxan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.