Xifaxan (Rifaximin)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is an antibacterial medication used to treat bacterial infections in the intestines. It is prescribed for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, traveler’s diarrhea, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Xifaxan contains the active ingredient Rifaximin. It fights against the common bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli) by preventing them from producing proteins required for their replication and survival.

It can not be used to treat a fever or bloody diarrhea and viral infections such as the common cold and flu.

Uses and Benefits of Xifaxan

Xifaxan is approved by FDA to treat the following health conditions.

• Traveler's diarrhea: It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the E. coli bacteria. Xifaxan works by suppressing the growth of E. coli bacteria, thereby reducing the symptoms of Traveler's diarrhea such as abdominal cramps and loose stools.

• Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D): IBS-D is an intestinal disorder caused by the presence of excessive bacteria in the gut. Xifaxan inhibits the growth of bacteria and improves the symptoms of IBS-D including abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

• Hepatic encephalopathy: It occurs in people with severe liver disease and affects brain functioning. Hepatic encephalopathy is believed to be caused by the excessive production of nitrogenous toxins such as ammonia by intestinal bacteria. Xifaxan treats hepatic encephalopathy by preventing the growth of bacteria that produce ammonia

Side Effects of Xifaxan

Patients taking Xifaxan can experience some common side effects including:

• Nausea

• Headache

• Tiredness

• Increase in liver enzymes

• Constipation

Xifaxan may rarely cause serious side effects including:

• Severe stomach pain
• Persistent Diarrhea
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Skin rash and swelling of the face tongue and throat
• Trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects that do not go away after 24 to 48 hours.

How to use Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is available in the form of tablets in two strengths: 200 mg and 550 mg. Xifaxan tablets can be taken orally with or without food. Doctors recommend the appropriate dose of Xifaxan based on the patients’ medical condition.

• To treat traveler's diarrhea, a patient may take a 200 mg tablet three times a day for 3 days.
• To treat IBS, a patient may take a 550 mg tablet three times a day for 14 days.
• For hepatic encephalopathy, a patient may take one 550 mg tablet 2 times a day.

It is always advised to take the medication at the same time every day for the best effect. In case you missed a dose take the medicine as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions

Xifaxan taken with other drugs can cause some side effects or can affect the efficacy of the medications. Thus tell your doctor if you are taking other medications including:

• Cyclosporine
• Blood thinner - warfarin
• Antibiotics, antifungal, and antiviral drugs
• Heart or blood pressure medicine

Taking birth control pills with Januvia can reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, patients should discuss with the doctor all their medical conditions and any other medicine or supplements they are taking to avoid any drug interactions. 

Safety Information

• Do not take Xifaxan if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of the drug.
• Consult with your doctor, if you have certain health conditions such as severe hepatic impairment.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the safety of Xifaxan as it may cause harm to an unborn baby or nursing infant.

Reference:

• https://www.drugs.com/xifaxan.html

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-91340/xifaxan-oral/details

• https://www.rxlist.com/xifaxan-drug.htm#interactions

• https://www.xifaxan.com/about-xifaxan-ibsd