Rifaximin

Rifaximin 200-mg tablets are used to treat traveler's diarrhea caused by certain bacteria in adults and children at least 12 years of age. Rifaximin 550-mg tablets are used to prevent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (changes in thinking, behavior, and personality caused by a build-up of toxins in the brain in people who have liver disease) in people at least 18 years of age who have liver disease. Rifaximin is in a class of medications called antibiotics. Rifaximin treats traveler's diarrhea by stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause diarrhea. Rifaximin treats hepatic encephalopathy by stopping the growth of bacteria that produce toxins and that may worsen liver disease. Rifaximin will not work to treat diarrhea that is bloody or occurs with fever.

Rifaximin comes as a tablet to take by mouth with or without food. When rifaximin is used to treat traveler's diarrhea, it is usually taken three times a day for 3 days. When rifaximin is used to prevent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, it is usually taken twice a day. To help you remember to take rifaximin, take it around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rifaximin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking rifaximin to treat traveler's diarrhea, your symptoms should improve within 24 to 48 hours after you start taking the medication. If your symptoms do not go away or they get worse, or if you develop a fever or bloody diarrhea, call your doctor. Take rifaximin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking rifaximin to treat traveler's diarrhea too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics. If you stop taking rifaximin to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, you may experience symptoms of encephalopathy.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Rifaximin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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nausea</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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dizziness</li>
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excessive tiredness</li>
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headache</li>
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muscle tightening</li>
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joint pain</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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watery or bloody diarrhea that may occur along with stomach cramps and fever during your treatment or for 2 months afterward</li>
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hives</li>
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rash</li>
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itching</li>
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difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
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swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs</li>
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hoarseness</li></ul>Rifaximin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking rifaximin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rifaximin, rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater, Rimactane), rifapentine (Priftin),any other medications, or any of the ingredients in rifaximin capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or have recently taken. Be sure to mention antibiotics. Your doctor may have to change the doses of your medications, monitor you carefully for side effects or treat your diarrhea differently. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had severe liver disease.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.