Rifaximin Usage

Rifaximin is used in hepatic encephalopathy
It is also used in the treatment of infectious diarrhoea in adult and children (>2years of age and above).

How Rifaximin works

Rifaximin is an antibiotic. It works by killing the ammonia-producing bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract which reduces recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy.

Common side effects of Rifaximin

Nausea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Headache, Flatulence, Bloating, Constipation

Expert advice for Rifaximin

While you are taking rifaximin, it may cause a reddish discolouration of the urine. This is quite normal. If you are using oral contraceptives take additional precautions while taking rifaximin. Oral contraceptives may not work as well when you are taking this medicine and/or when you have diarrhea. Rifaximin does not normally affect the ability to drive and use machines, but may cause dizziness in some patients. If you feel dizzy you should not drive or operate machinery. if you are pregnant or breast feeding speak to your doctor before starting the drug. To make sure rifaximin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease
• diarrhea with a fever
• watery or bloody diarrhea

Treatment with any antibiotic including rifaximin may cause severe diarrhea. You should stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Diarrhea may even occur few months after the drug has been stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. Q. Is Rifaximin an antibiotic?
Yes, Rifaximin is an antibiotic that kills bacteria, which can cause a disease called hepatic encephalopathy (symptoms include agitation, confusion, muscle problems, difficulty in speaking and in some cases coma).

Ques. Q. Can I take Rifaximin with amoxicillin?
Rifaximin can be taken with amoxicillin as no interactions have been reported between the two medicines. However, interactions may occur, please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Is Rifaximin safe?
Yes, Rifaximin is a safe medicine. However, it has its own side effects. It should always be taken for a prescribed duration in prescribed doses as advised by your doctor.

Ques. Q. Is Rifaximin a penicillin?
Rifaximin is not a penicillin. It is a non-aminoglycoside semi-synthetic, nonsystemic antibiotic derived from rifamycin .

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin kill good bacteria?
Rifaximin like other antibiotics can alter the normal bacteria in the intestine and this can lead to severe diarrhea.

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin work for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?
Rifaximin is not indicated for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In this condition, there is a presence of lot of bacteria in the small intestine which can cause chronic diarrhea and malabsorption.

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin cause orange urine?
Yes, the use of Rifaximin may cause a reddish discoloration of the urine.

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin affect oral contraceptives (birth control)?
Interactions have not been reported between Rifaximin and oral contraceptives (birth control pills). However, interactions may occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin work for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Rifaximin has not been approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Please consult your doctor before using Rifaximin for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin cause weight gain?
Weight gain has not been reported as an effect of Rifaximin.

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common side effect of Rifaximin. If you have severe diarrhea during or after using Rifaximin, you should stop taking Rifaximin and contact your doctor immediately.

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin kill Helicobacter pylori?
Rifaximin has not been reported to kill Helicobacter pylori.

Ques. Q. Can paracetamol be taken with Rifaximin?
Rifaximin can be taken with paracetamol as no interactions have been clinically observed between paracetamol and Rifaximin. However, interactions may occur. Please talk to your doctor in case you require to take the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Can I take Rifaximin with ibuprofen?
Rifaximin can be taken with ibuprofen as no interactions have been clinically observed between the two. However, interactions may occur. Please talk to your doctor in case you require to take the two medicines together.

Ques. Q. Does Rifaximin cause constipation?
Constipation is a rare side effect of Rifaximin. Please consult your doctor in case you experience intolerable constipation.