Xifaxan (Rifaximin)

What is Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is an antibacterial drug containing rifaximin, which is a non-aminoglycoside semi-synthetic, non-systemic antibiotic derived from rifamycin SV.

What is Xifaxan used for?

Xifaxan is used for treating patients, who are suffering from diarrhea caused by E. coli, commonly known as traveler’s diarrhea.

How does Xifaxan work?

Xifaxan works as an antibacterial drug, by interfering with the activities of diarrhea-causing bacteria. It is not used for viral infections and treats only bacterial infections.

How to use Xifaxan

Xifaxan is taken three times a day for three consecutive days. It is for oral administration and the doses can vary according to the response of your body to the medicine and the other medicines that you take, concurrently.

Stick to the doctor’s prescription and take Xifaxan after equal intervals of time, as it works best if its level is kept constant in the body for a specific period of time.

Do not change the frequency and intensity of Xifaxan doses. Take the medicine till it has been prescribed, as, if you stop taking it before the recommended time, the bacteria may regenerate and the condition can re-appear in your body.

Xifaxan warnings and precautions

Check with your doctor, if you are allergic to any other medicine or any ingredient of Xifaxan.

Talk to your doctor, if you are pregnant or planning a baby, for possible side effects and benefits. Also, lactating mothers need a prior medical advice for using this medicine.

If you have fever and/or bloody stools, and if the infection is due to some other pathogen, except E.coli, do not take Xifaxan, as it will not work in such a medical condition.

Keep Xifaxan far from the reach of children and pets.

What do I do if I have missed a Xifaxan dose?

If you have missed your Xifaxan dose, you should take it whenever you recall. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, you can leave the missed dose and go back to the schedule directed to you by your doctor.

What do I do if I have taken a Xifaxan overdose?

If you have taken a Xifaxan overdose, you should call you doctor and ask for the solution. Do not try any remedial measures at home.

Xifaxan interactions

Drug interactions for Xifaxan can be different for different people as per their medical history and the medicines that they take along with it.

It is wise to get the prescription approved from the physician, who is well aware of all other medicines or treatments that you have been through or are undergoing, at the moment.

Avoid taking live vaccines and do not experiment by taking other drugs without an expert’s suggestion.

Xifaxan side effects

A very rare intestinal condition called Clostridium difficile, because of a type of resistant bacteria, can occur as a side effect of Xifaxan. This condition can even emerge after months of your treatment.

Call your doctor for medical aid and do not try taking anti-diarrheal products or narcotic pain medications, as this can further worsen the condition. If you come across side effects like unrelenting diarrhea, abdominal pain or stomach pain with cramping, get it checked by your doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention, if you experience some severe side effects that include allergic reactions, resulting in skin rashes, hives, swelling that may affect throat, mouth or tongue. These reactions can also lead to intense dizziness and problems in breathing.