Xifaxan (Rifaximin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 21, 2012

Xifaxan

Travelers' Diarrhea »

Travelers' diarrhea facts

Travelers' diarrhea is a gastrointestinal illness that occurs in travelers.
Travelers' diarrhea usually is caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria or, less commonly, with parasites or viruses.
The treatment of travelers' diarrhea is usually plenty of oral liquids as well as over-the-counter medications that control diarrhea and cramps.
Antibiotic prophylaxis (prevention) for travelers' diarrhea is available but is not recommended generally.
The prognosis of travelers' diarrhea is good. It is rarely fatal, and most cases resolve within a week.

What is travelers' diarrhea?

Travelers' diarrhea is defined by most experts as three or more unformed stools in a 24 hour time period, passed by a person who is traveling. Travelers' diarrhea is commonly accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, and bloating. Travelers' diarrhea is a general term and does...

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XIFAXAN
(rifaximin) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

XIFAXAN tablets contain rifaximin, a non-aminoglycoside semi-synthetic, nonsystemic antibiotic derived from rifamycin SV. Rifaximin is a structural analog of rifampin. The chemical name for rifaximin is (2S,16Z,18E,20S,21S,22R,23R,24R,25S,26S,27S,28E)5,6,21,23,25- pentahydroxy-27-methoxy-2,4,11,16,20,22,24,26-octamethyl-2,7( epoxypentadeca-[1,11,13]trienimino)benzofuro[4,5-e]pyrido[1,2-á]-benzimidazole-1,15(2H)dione, 25-acetate. The empirical formula is C43H51N3O11 and its molecular weight is 785.9. The chemical structure is represented below:

XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) Structural Formula Illustration

XIFAXAN (rifaximin) tablets for oral administration are film-coated and contain 200 mg or 550 mg of rifaximin.

Inactive ingredients: Each tablet contains colloidal silicon dioxide, disodium edetate, glycerol palmitostearate, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, red iron oxide, sodium starch glycolate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of rifaximin (Xifaxan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rifaximin and call your doctor at once if you have a fever or diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

bloating, gas, stomach pain;
feeling like you need to empty your bowel urgently;
feeling like your bowel is not completely empty;
nausea, vomiting,...

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What are the precautions when taking rifaximin (Xifaxan)?

Before taking rifaximin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other rifamycins (rifampin, rifabutin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/19/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.