Xifaxan and/or Equivalents

Xifaxan

Xifaxan Description

Xifaxan is a drug prescribed to reduce the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence. It contains a non-aminoglycoside, semi-synthetic, non-systemic antibiotic derived from rifamycin named rifamixin. Rifamixin which is the active ingredient in this drug is a gastrointestinal site-specific antibiotic. It is given to adult patients and children who are above 12 years of age. Xifaxan is available as 200 mg tablets and 550 mg tablets. Xifaxan antibiotic acts only on the intestinal tract and does not treat infections of other body parts. It passes through the patient’s stomach and reaches the intestine and does not get absorbed in the bloodstream.

Conditions Treated by Xifaxan

Xifaxan is used to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), also known as worsened brain function which is known to occur when the liver stops functioning properly and cannot remove toxins from the body. Xifaxan is also used in the treatment of patients suffering from traveler’s diarrhea due to the organism known as Escherichia coli. This infection is caused when people eat food stuffs that are contaminated with these bacteria.

Xifaxan Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Xifaxan must be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. In case you do not understand the correct use of the drug, ask your doctor, pharmacist or chemist. It is important not to change the dosage or take less or more amount than prescribed as this can affect the effectiveness of the drug. Doctors generally prescribe a Xifaxan dose of 200 mg, thrice a day, daily for 3 days in case the patient has traveler's diarrhea. For patients suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, the recommended dosage is usually 500 mg twice daily. Never cut, crush or chew the tablets. They should be taken in their original form with a small amount of water. The medicine may be taken with or without meals.

b.) Missing a Dose

Try not to miss a single dose of the medicine. If you have missed taking a dose of Xifaxan then you should take it the moment you remember. However, if it is already nearing the time for your next dose then forget about the missed one and take the one that is due at the right time. Never take extra doses of Xifaxan to make up for the missed dose. Taking extra doses of the medicine can be harmful to your body.

c.) Overdosing

In case you have taken extra doses of Xifaxan, immediately contact your healthcare provider. You may also contact the local poison control center or emergency center for help.

Xifaxan Warnings

This medicine may be harmful to the fetus. Pregnant women should not take this medicine without consulting their healthcare provider. Xifaxan should be taken only when absolutely necessary. Women who are breast-feeding a baby should consume this medicine only after doctor’s approval. Adequate research has not been conducted to show whether this drug or its components are excreted into the breast milk. After you start taking Xifaxan, your symptoms may go away. But you should not stop taking the medicine unless advised by the doctor. Even though the symptoms go away, the bacterial infection may still persist. Hence it is extremely important that you continue taking the medicine for the whole course as prescribed to you by your healthcare provider. You should not consume Xifaxan if you are allergic to rifaxmin (rifampin or rifabutin). Hypersensitive reactions such as angioneurotic edema, exfoliative dermatitis, and anaphylaxis may be observed in patients who are allergic to rifamixin. Contact your doctor and discuss all your allergies, medical history etc. This medicine should not be taken if you are having diarrhea with fever or if you are have watery diarrhea like symptoms or bloody diarrhea. Always store Xifaxan in cool and dry places and at temperatures between 15-30 degrees C or 59-86 F. Always keep Xifaxan out of the reach of children and pets. This medicine should not be taken unless your doctor has told you to.

Xifaxan Side Effects

Xifaxan has been known to be associated with the following side effects:

• Allergic reactions such as hives, breathing difficulty, swelling of throat, face, lips or tongue
• Severe stomach ache
• Skin rashes or mild itching sensation
• Headache
• Fluid retention
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Rectal tenesmus
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Flatulence
• Pruritis
• Ascites
• Muscle spasms
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Feeling as if you have to empty your bowel urgently
• Feeling as if your bowel has not got emptied properly

Side-effects may start as soon as you start taking the medicine but are known to reduce gradually and go away once the body is used to taking the medicine. However, if you find any worsening of your condition or the severity of the side-effect increases, you must contact your healthcare provider. It is very important to seek medical attention to avoid any serious health problems.

Xifaxan Drug Interactions

Xifaxan has a low risk of interacting with other drugs since it does not pass via the bloodstream. It does not interact with oral contraceptives or with midazolam. Liver enzymes are also not significantly affected by Xifaxan. Drug interactions may be very dangerous because not only does the effectiveness of the drugs you are taking decreases, but it may also lead to generation of a third component that may be harmful to the body. Hence you should always inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamin supplements, protein pills or shakes, herbal pills, diet or weight loss supplements etc. You should also inform your doctor if consume alcohol or take drugs. You must never start a new medicine without consulting your doctor. Your healthcare provider is the best person to tell you if the drugs you are consuming are safe and whether they affect each other or not. It is not always necessary that you may have to stop taking one drug because you are taking another. Your doctor can suggest you alternate drugs that will achieve the same effect or can help you by adjusting doses of the drugs or by suggesting you to keep a gap between the two drugs so that they will not interact with one another.

If you have any questions about buying discount Xifaxan online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Xifaxan and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information