Details

Rifaximin is an antibiotic that fights bacterial infection only in the intestines. Rifaximin works differently from other antibiotics because it passes through your stomach and into your intestines without being absorbed into your blood stream. Because rifaximin treats only the intestinal tract, it will not treat infections of other parts of the body. Rifaximin is used to treat travellers’ diarrhoea caused by 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 in adults whose main symptom is diarrhoea. To make sure rifaximin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have liver disease diarrhoea with a fever or watery or bloody diarrhoea. Rifaximin should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

Typical Uses

Rifaximin is used to treat diarrhoea caused by the common bacteria known as E. coli ("traveller’s diarrhoea"). Rifaximin should not be used if you have a fever or bloody diarrhoea. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Rifaximin is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea. It is also used to prevent a brain problem caused by liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). It may help you think more clearly.

Side Effects

Common rifaximin side effects may include severe stomach pain, diarrhoea that is watery or bloody fever or rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection.

Drug Interactions

• Rifaximin+ibrutinib- Ibrutinib may increase the blood levels and effects of rifaximin. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.
• Rifaximin+daclatasvir- Daclatasvir may increase the blood levels and effects of rifaximin. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.
• Rifaximin+rolapitant- Rolapitant may increase the blood levels and effects of rifaximin. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects.

Mechanism of action

Rifaximin is a broad spectrum antibacterial drug that fights bacterial infection only in the intestines. Rifaximin stops the growth of bacteria that produce toxins and that may worsen liver disease.

Pregnancy Category : C