Xifaxan (Rifaximin) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 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...

Read the E. Coli (0157:H7) article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Xifaxan User Reviews >>

Xifaxan

Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures

How Smoking Affects Your Looks Slideshow Pictures

Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

font size

Xifaxan Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

RIFAXIMIN - ORAL

(rif-AX-i-min)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xifaxan

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: 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.