Brand name:
Xifaxan
Pronounced: zuh-FAX-in
Generic name:
Rifaximin
Why is Xifaxan prescribed?
Xifaxan is an antibiotic prescribed to treat traveler's diarrhea,
a bacterial infection in the intestines caused by Escherichia
coli (also called E. coli). Traveler's diarrhea is the
result of eating contaminated food or drinking untreated water,
usually in foreign countries. Xifaxan is not prescribed for diarrhea
that occurs with a fever or bloody stools, or when the diarrhea is
not due to E. coli.
Most important fact about Xifaxan
Like all antibiotics, Xifaxan could cause a severe inflammation
of the colon (known as pseudomembranous colitis). It results from
bacterial overgrowth in the colon and ranges in severity from mild
to life-threatening. Contact your doctor right away if you develop
any of the following:
- Abdominal cramps
- Watery diarrhea
- Frequent bowel movements
- Low-grade fever
- Bloody stools
How should you take Xifaxan?
Xifaxan can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. It is best
to take it at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to keep a
constant supply in the bloodstream.
--If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and
return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Xifaxan side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe to continue using Xifaxan.
- Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,
constipation,
fever or high body temperature,
gas,
headache,
nausea,
painful or urgent bowel movements,
vomiting
Why should Xifaxan not be prescribed?
Do not take Xifaxan if you are allergic to it or if you have ever
had an allergic reaction to other rifamycin antibiotics, such as
rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), and
rifapentine (Priftin).
Special warnings about Xifaxan
Xifaxan is only useful in cases of diarrhea that are caused by
E. coli. If your symptoms get worse, if you develop new
symptoms such as a fever or bloody diarrhea, or if you do not get
better within 1 to 2 days, call your doctor right away. You will
probably need to stop taking Xifaxan and start a different
treatment.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Xifaxan
At this time, there are no documented drug interactions with
Xifaxan. However, you should always tell the doctor about any
medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and
herbal supplements.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Xifaxan has not been studied in pregnant women and should only be
used if the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
It is not known whether Xifaxan appears in human breast milk. If
Xifaxan is essential to your health, the doctor may advise you to
stop nursing until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Xifaxan
ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER
Overdosage
While there is no specific overdose information about Xifaxan,
any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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