Rifaximin is an antibiotic that treats diarrhea caused by traveling or irritable bowel syndrome. It can also prevent a brain condition that can occur with severe liver disease. This medication comes in a tablet form that you can take by mouth with a glass of water. The brand name of this medication is Xifaxan®.
RIFAXIMIN (ri FAX i men) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat traveler's diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. It is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, a brain disorder that can occur due to severe liver disease.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xifaxan
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•bloody or tarry stools
•fever
•liver disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to rifaximin, rifampin, rifabutin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•blood in the urine
•bloody or watery diarrhea
•fever
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
•stomach bloating, gas
•urgent bowel movements
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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