Rifaximin (Oral)
Rifaximin is used to treat travelers' diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Most people get this infection by eating food or drinking fluids that have been contaminated with the E. coli bacteria.
Rifaximin is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults whose main symptom is diarrhea.
Rifaximin is also used to lower the risk of a decline in brain function in adults with liver failure. Brain function can be affected when the liver stops working and cannot remove toxic substances from the body.
Rifaximin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Rifaximin (Oral) used for?
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Traveler's Diarrhea
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Rifaximin (Oral)?
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to rifaximin, rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease;
- diarrhea with a fever; or
- watery or bloody diarrhea.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Rifaximin should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Rifaximin (Oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody (even if it occurs months after your last dose);
- fever; or
- fluid build-up around the stomach--rapid weight gain, stomach pain and bloating, trouble breathing while lying down.
Common side effects may include:
- swelling in your hands or feet;
- nausea;
- headache, dizziness;
- tiredness; or
- abnormal liver function tests.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Rifaximin (Oral) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Rifaximin (Oral)?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Rifaximin (Oral)?
Use Rifaximin (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take rifaximin with or without food.
For travelers' diarrhea, rifaximin is usually taken for only 3 days. For IBS, rifaximin is usually taken for 2 weeks at a time. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Rifaximin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 24 to 48 hours, or if they get worse while using rifaximin.
Rifaximin does not treat all bacterial forms of travelers' diarrhea.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Rifaximin (Oral)?
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