Rifaximin
Introduction To Rifaximin
Overview: Rifaximin contains rifaximin, a broad spectrum antibiotic that treats traveller's diarrhoea (loose stools and cramps caused by contaminated food), hepatic encephalopathy (severe liver disease affecting the brain) and irritable bowel syndrome (chronic bloating, diarrhoea and stomach pain). It works by stopping the growth of diarrhoea-causing bacteria, altering the gut biome and lowering the ammonia-producing microorganisms present in the gut.
Dosage: Rifaximin should be taken as advised by your doctor. The recommended dose for Traveler's Diarrhoea is 200 mg 3 times a day for three days. For Hepatic Encephalopathy, 550 mg twice a day. And for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 550 mg orally three times a day. This medication may be taken with or without food. It is advised to consume the tablet whole with water and to refrain from crushing or chewing it.
Side effects: The common side effects of Rifaximin include headache, nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, peripheral oedema, excessive fatigue, muscle stiffness and joint pain. They typically last for a short period and usually go away on their own. Contact your healthcare provider if the problems persist or worsen.
Safety advice: Rifaximin may be contraindicated (unsafe) for people experiencing fever or bloody diarrhoea (blood in stool); and those with a history of colitis (inflamed colon), renal dysfunction, liver disease and hypersensitivity to rifaximin. Always inform your doctor of any health conditions you might have. Generally, this drug is considered safe for most people.
How Rifaximin works
General overview: Rifaximin contains rifaximin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It lowers bacterial virulence and pathogenicity in the digestive tract to treat various bacterial infections and the following symptoms. It also stops the ammonia-producing bacteria from growing, which prevents a disorder called hepatic encephalopathy from worsening.
Mechanism of actions: Rifaximin works by inhibiting RNA synthesis in bacteria that are vulnerable to its effects. This inhibition is achieved through the binding of the drug to the beta-subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme, thereby disrupting the process of translocation and ultimately leading to the cessation of transcription.
Dosage
Standard dose: Rifaximin should be taken as advised by your doctor. For Traveler's Diarrhoea, adults are prescribed 200 mg of rifaximin orally thrice daily for three days. For children 12 years or older, the paediatric dose is the same as that of adults. For Hepatic Encephalopathy, the adult dosage is 550 mg twice a day. For Irritable Bowel Syndrome, adults are prescribed 550 mg of rifaximin orally three times a day. Exercise caution when administering this medication to elderly patients (geriatric), as the potentially harmful effects may be more severe.
General instruction: This medication can be taken with or without food. It is essential to follow the dosing instructions carefully and take rifaximin around the same times every day. Skipping doses of this medication can increase the risk of infection that is resistant to the drug.
Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose of your medication, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, ignore the one that you missed and continue with the next. To compensate for a missed dose, avoid taking twice the amount.
Overdose: Taking more than the prescribed dose of this antibiotic may lead to a drug overdose. If the patient experiences loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms of overdose, contact your doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.
Safety Advice
Rifaximin may be contraindicated (unsafe) for people experiencing fever or bloody diarrhoea; and those with a history of colitis (inflamed colon), renal dysfunction, liver disorder and hypersensitivity to rifaximin. Inform your doctor of any medical conditions you might have. Discontinue taking this drug if you experience severe diarrhoea. Generally, this drug is considered safe for most people.
PregnancyConsult doctor
Can I take Rifaximin if I’m pregnant?
Rifaximin may only be prescribed to pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Talk to your doctor for more information.
BreastfeedingConsult doctor
Can I take Rifaximin if I’m breastfeeding?
The active ingredients of Rifaximin might pass into the breastmilk but in negligible amounts. It usually does not cause harmful effects on the infant. Consult your doctor for more information.
AlcoholConsult doctor
Is drinking alcohol while taking Rifaximin safe?
Talk to your doctor regarding the consumption of alcohol while taking Rifaximin since there isn’t enough data available regarding the interaction.
DrivingCaution
Can I drive after taking Rifaximin?
It is not recommended to take Rifaximin before driving if this medication produces side effects like excessive fatigue and dizziness each time you take it.
KidneyCaution
Can I take Rifaximin if I have/had kidney diseases?
People with a history of kidney disease or currently experiencing renal impairment should exercise caution when taking this medicine. Let your doctor know so they may adjust the dose if required.
LiverCaution
Can I take Rifaximin if I have/had liver diseases?
Individuals with a history or current diagnosis of liver disease are advised to exercise caution when consuming this medication. Let your doctor know so they may change the prescription.
Drug interactions
Drug-Food interaction
No drug-food interactions found
Drug-Disease interaction
Rifaximin may be contraindicated (unsafe) for people with porphyria, impaired liver function, renal dysfunction, colitis and hypersensitivity to rifaximin.
Drug-Drug interaction
Talk to your doctor if you are currently taking the following medicines: immunosuppressive agents (cyclosporine), antifungal medications (ketoconazole), blood thinners (warfarin), certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin), antivirals (ritonavir, saquinavir), antiarrhythmic drugs (amiodarone, quinidine) and calcium channel blocker (verapamil).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Cyclosporine Ketoconazole Warfarin Clarithromycin Erythromycin Ritonavir Saquinavir Amiodarone Quinidine Verapamil
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Rifaximin used for?
Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that treats traveller's diarrhoea, hepatic encephalopathy and irritable bowel syndrome.
Q. What are the side effects of Rifaximin?
The common side effects of Rifaximin include headache, nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, excessive fatigue, muscle stiffness and joint pain.
Q. What is the content of Rifaximin?
Rifaximin contains rifaximin, a rifamycin-based non-systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria that cause infection in the gut.
Q. Can Rifaximin cause orange urine?
Rifaximin, an analogue of rifampicin, has been known to cause orange or reddish discolouration of the urine. Once the drug is discontinued, the discolouration subsides naturally.
Q. Can Rifaximin cause bloating?
No, in fact, Rifaximin has been found to be effective in reducing bloating and flatulence in IBS patients. This is achieved by regulating bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Q. Should Rifaximin be taken before or after food?
Rifaximin can be taken with or without food. To treat the infection completely, keep taking the medicine - don’t discontinue the course even if you begin to feel better.
Q. Can Rifaximin cure IBS?
Rifaximin can be used to manage some symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but it can not completely cure it.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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