Rifaximin 

Xifaxan

Xifaxan is a brand-name oral antibiotic containing rifaximin, effective against specific bacterial infections. It is FDA-approved for treating traveler’s diarrhea in adults and children aged 12 and older, reducing the recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy symptoms, and managing IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea) in adults. The medication comes in 200 mg and 550 mg oral tablets and is typically administered over short courses for acute conditions or continuously for chronic management. Xifaxan targets and inhibits bacterial growth, offering relief from symptoms associated with these gastrointestinal and liver-related disorders.

Product Overview

Xifaxan, known generically as rifaximin, is an oral antibiotic utilized to address various health conditions that stem from bacterial imbalances and liver-related issues. The drug is specifically formulated to treat traveler’s diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of E. coli, a common ailment for those visiting certain regions. Additionally, it is used in adults to reduce the likelihood of recurrent episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy, a serious liver-related brain condition, by controlling harmful bacteria that could exacerbate the disease. Xifaxan is also prescribed for the management of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), providing relief from persistent symptoms by targeting specific bacterial overgrowths.

The medication is dispensed in tablet form and is available in two strengths: 200 mg and 550 mg. The dosage varies depending on the condition being treated. For traveler’s diarrhea, the typical course is 200 mg three times daily for three days. For hepatic encephalopathy, the standard regimen is 550 mg twice daily, continued as per a doctor’s advice. For IBS-D, the usual treatment involves taking 550 mg three times daily for 14 days, with possible additional cycles if symptoms recur.

Xifaxan works by inhibiting the RNA synthesis of bacteria, effectively stopping their growth. This action helps quickly reduce the infection and its related symptoms, typically showing improvement within a few days for diarrhea and up to several weeks for hepatic conditions. Patients are advised to take the medication consistently around the same time each day to maintain steady drug levels in the body.

Despite its effectiveness, Xifaxan should be used with caution, especially in individuals with severe liver impairment or those on a complex medication regimen, due to potential interactions and side effects. Regular medical follow-ups and lab tests are recommended to monitor the drug’s efficacy and manage any adverse reactions effectively.

What Are the Uses of Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is a prescription medication in tablet form that contains the active ingredient rifaximin, an antibiotic. It is approved by the FDA to treat several conditions:

• Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Traveler’s Diarrhea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D)

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Xifaxan?

It comes as an oral tablet and is available in two strengths: 

• Xifaxan 200 mg tablet
• Xifaxan 550 mg tablet

What Are the Recommended Dosage of Xifaxan?

Dosage for Traveler’s Diarrhea

• Recommended Dosage: For adults and children aged 12 years and older, take 200 mg of Xifaxan orally three times a day.
• Duration: Continue this regimen for 3 days to effectively treat symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea.

Dosage for Hepatic Encephalopathy

• Purpose: Xifaxan is prescribed to lower the risk of future severe episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy in adults. “Overt” indicates that the symptoms are apparent and noticeable.
• Usual Dosage: The standard dose is 550 mg, taken orally twice a day.
• Duration: Continue taking this dosage as long as recommended by your doctor.

Dosage for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D)

• Recommended Dosage: For adults, the typical dosage is 550 mg, taken orally three times per day.
• Treatment Duration: Continue this regimen for 14 days.
• Repeat Treatment: If symptoms of IBS-D reoccur after completing the initial treatment, your doctor may recommend repeating this dosage cycle up to two additional times, based on your specific medical needs.

Children’s Dosage for Traveler’s Diarrhea

• Eligibility: Xifaxan is suitable for children aged 12 years and older.
• Dosage: Children receive the exact dosage as adults for the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How to Use Xifaxan?

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider for using Xifaxan effectively. If you have any questions or concerns about taking this medication, do not hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist.

• Administration Instructions:
  • Method of Intake: Xifaxan is taken orally. Swallow the tablets whole.
  • Frequency: Depending on your prescription, you may need to take Xifaxan two or three times a day. It is important to take your medication at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your system, which enhances its effectiveness.
• Ensuring Consistency:
  • Reminders: To ensure you do not forget a dose, set reminders. You can use an alarm, a timer, or a medication reminder app on your smartphone.
• Accessibility and Convenience:
  • Label Visibility: If you find it difficult to read the prescription label, request a label with larger print, braille, or a QR code that reads out the information from your pharmacy. If your pharmacy does not offer these options, ask your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Opening Containers: If opening medication bottles is challenging, ask your pharmacist for the medication in an easy-open container or for tools designed to help open bottles.
• Dietary Considerations:
  • Food Interactions: Xifaxan can be taken with or without food, according to your preference or as advised by your doctor.
• Tablet Modification:
  • Altering Tablets: The manufacturer has not provided specific guidance on whether Xifaxan tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to take your medication.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Xifaxan Work?

Xifaxan is an antibiotic that is used to treat several conditions, including traveler’s diarrhea, overt hepatic encephalopathy, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). These conditions are often linked to the presence of harmful bacteria in the digestive system. Xifaxan works by either killing these bacteria or inhibiting their growth, thereby reducing their numbers in the digestive tract. This action helps alleviate symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea and IBS-D, and it also aids in managing hepatic encephalopathy by reducing the risk of its recurrence.

The effectiveness of Xifaxan and how quickly it works can vary depending on the condition being treated. For traveler’s diarrhea, relief from symptoms typically begins within three days of starting the medication. In the case of IBS-D, symptom relief may take up to two weeks. For those with hepatic encephalopathy, it might take several weeks before the benefits of reduced recurrence are noticeable. Your doctor will provide guidance on what to expect based on your specific condition and treatment plan.

Important Safety Information for Using Xifaxan

What Are the Side Effects of Xifaxan?

Mild Side Effects of Xifaxan: Xifaxan can cause mild side effects, which are usually temporary and last only a few days to weeks. If any of these effects continue longer than expected or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical advice to manage the symptoms correctly and assess the need to adjust your treatment. Common mild side effects of Xifaxan may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Loss of taste
• Peripheral edema (swelling in your arms, hands, legs, or feet)
• Ascites (buildup of fluid in the abdomen)
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Mild allergic reaction
• Itching or skin rash
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Inflammation of the nose and throat
• Muscle spasms
• Weight loss
• Digestive side effects, such as:
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite

Serious Side Effects of Xifaxan: Xifaxan can cause serious side effects, although not all possible side effects are listed here. If you experience severe reactions while taking Xifaxan, you should immediately contact your doctor. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Serious side effects of Xifaxan may include:

• Liver Issues: Increased liver enzymes could indicate liver damage. Watch for signs like:
  • Stomach pain
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Nausea and vomiting
• Depression: Be aware of changes in mood or behavior, including:
  • Changes in weight
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Mood swings
• Anemia: This condition means your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, which can lead to:
  • Pale gums or skin
  • Feeling very tired
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headaches
• Severe Diarrhea from C. difficile Infection: Symptoms might include:
  • Stomach pain
  • Frequent, loose, watery stools
  • Loss of appetite
• Severe Allergic Reaction: This is a critical condition that needs immediate medical attention.

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Are There Any Warnings for Xifaxan? 

• Allergic Reaction: If you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to Xifaxan or any of its components, it’s important to tell your doctor. In such cases, your doctor might decide not to prescribe Xifaxan and could recommend alternative treatments that are more suitable for your condition.
• Severe Liver Problems: If you have significant liver issues, such as severe cirrhosis, you should inform your doctor before starting Xifaxan. These conditions can increase the concentration of the drug in your bloodstream, potentially heightening the risk of side effects. Your doctor may need to monitor you more carefully to manage any adverse effects.

What Are the Xifaxan Precautions?

• General Health Considerations: Before starting Xifaxan, share your complete health history with your doctor. This medication may not be suitable if you have specific health conditions that could interact adversely with the drug.
• Xifaxan and Pregnancy: The safety of Xifaxan during pregnancy is unknown. The drug has not been tested in pregnant women, and animal studies have shown potential harm to fetuses. If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant, discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Xifaxan with your doctor.
• Xifaxan and Birth Control: The effects of Xifaxan on pregnancy are not apparent. If there is any chance you or your partner could become pregnant, have a discussion with your doctor about effective birth control methods while taking this medication.
• Xifaxan and Breastfeeding: It is not known if Xifaxan is excreted in human breast milk or if it can affect a nursing baby. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, consult your doctor before starting Xifaxan. Your doctor can advise you on the best approach to feeding your baby during treatment.

What If You Missed a Dose of Xifaxan?

• Guidance on Missed Doses: Xifaxan’s manufacturer does not specify what to do if you miss a dose. If this happens, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. They will guide you on whether to take the missed dose or wait until the next scheduled dose.
• Importance of Regular Dosing: It is crucial to take Xifaxan as prescribed without missing doses. Missing doses can lead to the development of resistance to the medication, reducing its effectiveness in treating your condition.
• Tips to Remember Your Dose: To ensure you don’t forget to take your medication, consider setting reminders. You can use an alarm, a timer, or a medication reminder app on your phone to help keep track of your dosing schedule.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much of Xifaxan?

• Follow Dosage Instructions: Always take Xifaxan precisely as your doctor has prescribed. Taking more than recommended can result in serious side effects or even an overdose.
• Immediate Actions: If you believe you have taken too much Xifaxan, contact your doctor immediately for advice. Alternatively, you can reach out to America’s Poison Centers by calling 800-222-1222 or using their online tool for guidance.
• Emergency Situations: If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or unconsciousness, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately or go to the nearest emergency room without delay.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How to Store a Xifaxan?

• Optimal Storage Conditions: Keep Xifaxan tablets at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). For temporary situations, such as while traveling, it’s safe to store them at temperatures from 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
• Proper Packaging: Always store the tablets in a tightly sealed container to protect them from moisture and humidity. Avoid placing the medication in damp places, like bathrooms, where conditions could affect their effectiveness.
• Disposal of Unused Medication: If you have unused Xifaxan that you no longer need, ensure it is disposed of safely for both people and the environment. This precaution helps prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets and avoids environmental contamination. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

What Medications Interact with Xifaxan?

Xifaxan can interact with certain other medications, which may affect how it works or increase the chances of side effects. However, it’s not known to interact with supplements or foods.

Understanding Interactions:

• Some drug interactions can reduce how well a medication works.
• Other interactions may increase the likelihood or severity of side effects.
• Certain health conditions can also influence how Xifaxan interacts with other drugs.

Medications to Be Aware Of:

• Cyclosporine: Used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant. Taking Xifaxan with cyclosporine might increase the risk of side effects.
• Warfarin (Jantoven): A blood thinner used to prevent or treat clots. Combining Xifaxan with warfarin could reduce the effectiveness of warfarin or raise the risk of side effects.

Before starting Xifaxan, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. This helps ensure you avoid any potential interactions. If you have questions about how Xifaxan might interact with your other medications, consult your healthcare provider.

What Are the Other Xifaxan Interactions?

• Xifaxan and Foods: No particular foods have been reported to interact with Xifaxan. If you have any concerns about eating certain foods while taking this medication, consult your doctor.
• Xifaxan and Herbs/Supplements: No specific herbs or supplements are known to interact with Xifaxan. However, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Xifaxan.
• Xifaxan and Alcohol: Xifaxan is not known to interact with alcohol. However, if you drink alcohol and have any questions about its use during your treatment with Xifaxan, it’s best to discuss them with your doctor.

[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Xifaxan. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

What Are the Xifaxan Alternatives?

If Xifaxan isn’t the right fit for you, there are other medications that might help treat your condition. It’s important to discuss with your doctor if you’re interested in exploring alternatives. They can recommend other drugs that could work well for you. Here are some medications that are similar to Xifaxan:

• Bentyl (dicyclomine)
• Generlac (lactulose)
• Viberzi (eluxadoline)
• Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
• Lotronex (alosetron)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Xifaxan Cost & Coupons

Xifaxan can be costly, with prices often exceeding $1,000 per month when not covered by insurance. To alleviate these high costs, many opt to purchase Xifaxan at more affordable rates by ordering from Canadian pharmacies. For Americans seeking to buy Xifaxan online from Canada, Polar Bear Meds offers a reliable option that provides significant savings. Additionally, by using the Xifaxan coupon code WELCOMEPB10 at checkout, customers can enjoy a 10% discount on their first order. This strategy is designed to make Xifaxan more accessible and cost-effective for those in the USA managing conditions treatable with this medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to take this drug long term?

The duration of treatment with Xifaxan depends on the specific health condition it’s being used to treat. For conditions like traveler’s diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), Xifaxan is generally prescribed for a short period. You will likely take the medication only for the duration of the symptoms or until the condition is resolved.

On the other hand, for more chronic conditions such as overt hepatic encephalopathy—a complication of liver disease that affects brain function—Xifaxan is often prescribed for long-term use. In such cases, the medication helps manage symptoms over a prolonged period and is part of an ongoing treatment plan.

If you’re unsure about how long you need to take Xifaxan or have concerns about your treatment plan, it’s important to discuss these with your doctor. They can provide guidance based on your specific condition and treatment needs, ensuring you understand the purpose of the medication and the expected duration of your treatment. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to achieve the best outcomes from your treatment.

Does Xifaxan cause constipation?

While constipation is not commonly listed as a side effect of Xifaxan in clinical trial data, there have been rare instances where constipation was reported, especially when the drug was used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). This suggests that while the likelihood of experiencing constipation is low, it is a possible side effect for some individuals.

If you are taking Xifaxan and are concerned about the risk of constipation, discussing this with your doctor is essential. Your doctor can provide insights based on your health history and current treatment plan. They can also offer practical advice on how to minimize or manage this side effect if it occurs. For instance, they may recommend dietary adjustments, increased water intake, or other measures to help alleviate constipation.

Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience during your treatment with Xifaxan. This ensures that you receive appropriate care and adjustments to your treatment if necessary.

Does Xifaxan stop bloating?

Bloating, along with abdominal pain and diarrhea, are symptoms often associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). These conditions can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your gut. Xifaxan (rifaximin) is an antibiotic that targets these bacteria, offering a potential solution for managing symptoms.

When used as a treatment for IBS or SIBO, Xifaxan alters the intestines’ bacterial landscape, which can help reduce symptoms such as bloating. This effect is because the medication explicitly targets the excess bacteria in the small intestine, helping to restore a more balanced bacterial environment.

It’s important to note that while Xifaxan can be effective in reducing bloating and other related symptoms for some patients, it may not work for everyone. The effectiveness of this treatment can vary based on the individual’s specific condition and the underlying causes of their symptoms.

If you’re experiencing persistent bloating and suspect it might be related to IBS or SIBO, consult with your healthcare provider. They can confirm whether Xifaxan is an appropriate treatment option for you based on a thorough medical evaluation and potentially recommend other strategies to manage your symptoms effectively.

Can Xifaxan be used for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?

Yes, doctors may prescribe Xifaxan (rifaximin) for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), although it is not officially approved for this condition by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This practice, known as off-label prescribing, involves using a medication for a purpose different from the one it was officially approved for. SIBO occurs when an excessive number of bacteria accumulate in the small intestine, which can disrupt normal digestive processes. This bacterial overgrowth often leads to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, which can significantly impact quality of life.

If you are experiencing symptoms that suggest SIBO, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider. They may conduct appropriate tests to diagnose the condition accurately. If SIBO is confirmed, your doctor might consider Xifaxan as a treatment option. This medication works by reducing the number of bacteria in the small intestine, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with the overgrowth. In terms of dosage, your doctor will determine the most effective dose based on your specific condition. The typical dosage for SIBO involves taking Xifaxan at a prescribed strength and frequency that targets the bacterial imbalance effectively while minimizing potential side effects.

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