rifaximin

(ri FAX i men)
Xifaxan

What is the most important information I should know about rifaximin?

•

Take all of the rifaximin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

•

You should not take rifaximin if you have a fever or have blood in your stool. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms.

•

Some forms or diarrhea may be caused by viruses and not bacteria. Rifaximin, like all antibiotics, does not kill viruses. You should contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you think your condition is getting worse or not improving after 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days) while taking rifaximin.

What is rifaximin?

•

Rifaximin is a non-systemic (does not get into bloodstream) antibiotic used to treat diarrhea caused by eating food or drinking fluids that have been contaminated with germs called bacteria.

•

When you swallow rifaximin, the drug passes into and remains almost entirely, in your gut and gastrointestinal tract. This differs from how other antibiotics work. Other antibiotics typically pass from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. Because rifaximin remains in the gastrointestinal tract, it is not suitable for treating other infections such as chest, sinus, or lung infections caused by bacteria.

•

Rifaximin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rifaximin?

•

Before taking rifaximin, tell your doctor if you have

had an allergic reaction to any of the group of antibiotics known as rifamycins such as rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin).

a fever;

blood in your stool; or

a form or diarrhea known as dysentery.

•

Rifaximin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

•

It is not known whether rifaximin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take rifaximin?

•

Take rifaximin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

•

Rifaximin tablets can be taken with or without food.

•

You should not take rifaximin if you have a fever or have blood in your stool. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms.

•

Take all of the rifaximin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

•

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

•

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

•

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

•

Symptoms of an rifaximin overdose are unknown but may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

What should I avoid while taking rifaximin?

•

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Rifaximin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of rifaximin?

•

No serious side effects are expected from rifaximin therapy. Stop taking rifaximin and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

•

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take rifaximin and talk to your doctor if you experience

dizziness or headache;

flatulence (gas);

stomach pain;

sensations of needing to empty the bowel;

urgent bowel movements;

constipation;

fever;

rash; or

nausea or vomiting.

•

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect rifaximin?

•

There are no known interactions between rifaximin and other medicines, although the possibility exists. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

•

Your pharmacist has additional information about rifaximin written for health professionals that you may read.

•

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

•

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.