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

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February 9, 2012

Xifaxan

E. Coli (0157:H7) »

E. coli 0157:H7 Facts

E. coli 0157:H7 is a gram-negative bacterium that can produce a bloody diarrhea due to toxins it secretes when it infects human intestinal tracts.
The symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7 infection may include a low fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea.
E. coli 0157:H7 is notorious because it can cause additional complications in children and the elderly; renal failure, anemia, and dehydration especially for children (termed HUS or Hemolytic-uremic syndrome) and spontaneous bleeding, organ failures, and mental changes in the elderly (termed TTP or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). Some of these patients develop disabilities or die.
Diagnosis is definitively made when E. coli 0157:H7 is isolated, usually from the patient's stool, and identified as serotype 0157 by immunologic tests.
Most E. coli 0157:H7 infections resolve s...

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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.