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Xifaxan

Generic name: Rifaximin
Brand names: Xifaxan

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.

What side effects may occur?

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.

• More common 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

ADULTS AND CHILDREN 12 YEARS AND OLDER

The usual recommended dose is one 200-milligram tablet taken 3 times a day for 3 days.

Xifaxan has not been studied in children less than 12 years old.

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.