Xifaxan Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (rif-AX-ih-min)
Xifaxan Oral Uses
This medication is used to treat diarrhea caused by the common bacteria known as E. coli ("traveler's diarrhea"). Rifaximin should not be used if you have a fever or bloody diarrhea. This medication stays in the digestive system and is not absorbed into the blood. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
Rifaximin is also used to prevent a brain problem caused by liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy). It may help to improve mental status.
How To Use Xifaxan Oral
Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To treat traveler's diarrhea, take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day for 3 days.
To prevent hepatic encephalopathy, take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times a day.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.
For traveler's diarrhea, continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Tell your doctor if you are still having diarrhea after 1-2 days, if you have bloody diarrhea, or if you have a fever along with the diarrhea. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
