Xifaxan (Rifaximin) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

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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 »

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Persistent Diarrhea

For those patients being treated for travelers' diarrhea, discontinue XIFAXAN (rifaximin) if diarrhea persists more than 24-48 hours or worsens. Advise the patient to seek medical care for fever and/or blood in the stool [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including XIFAXAN (rifaximin) , and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibiotics alters the normal flora of the colon which may lead to C. difficile. Patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If diarrhea occurs after therapy or does not improve or worsens during therapy, advise patients to contact a physician as soon as possible [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Administration with Food

Inform patients that XIFAXAN (rifaximin) may be taken with or without food.

Antibacterial Resistance

Counsel patients that antibacterial drugs including XIFAXAN (rifaximin) should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When XIFAXAN (rifaximin) is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by XIFAXAN (rifaximin) or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Severe Hepatic Impairment

Patients should be informed that in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child738 Pugh C) there is an increase in systemic exposure to XIFAXAN [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

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