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Other brands with the same active ingredient
These brands contain the same active ingredient (Rifaximin). Same strength and form. Confirm the switch with your doctor or pharmacist.
Indications & Uses
Rifaximin is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Rifaximin is a semisynthetic antibiotic based on rifamycin, and it works mainly inside the gut. Only a very small amount of the drug crosses the gut wall into the bloodstream, which is unlike most other antibiotics taken by mouth. Rifaximin stops bacteria from making RNA by acting on the beta-subunit of their DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Its activity is broad, much like that of rifamycin itself, and it kills many species of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whether they need oxygen or not.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Traveler's diarrhea (patients 12 years and older): 200 mg by mouth 3 times a day for 3 days.
Hepatic encephalopathy (patients 18 years and older): 550 mg by mouth 2 times a day.
Bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome: 400 mg by mouth 3 times a day for 10 days, or 550 mg by mouth 3 times a day for 14 days.
May be taken with or without food.
Side Effects
Side effects can include flatulence, headache, abdominal pain, rectal tenesmus, an urge to defecate, nausea, constipation, fever, and vomiting. More serious reactions have also been reported, including anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, and exfoliative dermatitis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Rifaxin has not been shown to be effective in patients whose diarrhea is accompanied by fever and/or blood in the stool. Treatment with Rifaxin should be stopped if diarrhea symptoms worsen or continue beyond 24 to 48 hours, and switching to an alternative antibiotic should be considered. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with almost all antibacterial agents and can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. For this reason, the possibility of this condition should be kept in mind in any patient who develops diarrhea after taking an antibacterial agent.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in anyone known to be hypersensitive to Rifaximin, to other rifamycin antimicrobials, or to any other ingredient in this product.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rifaximin passes into human breast milk.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Renal impairment: No one has studied how Rifaximin behaves in the body of patients whose kidneys work poorly.
Hepatic impairment: Patients with impaired liver function had markedly higher systemic exposure to Rifaximin than healthy subjects.
Overdose
There is no specific information on how to treat an overdose of Rifaximin. If someone takes too much, stop the Rifaximin, treat the symptoms as they appear, and give supportive measures as needed.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Rifaximin below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Common questions about Rifaximin 550 mg
What is Rifaximin 550 mg Tablet?
Rifaximin 550 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Rifaximin. It is made by Drug International Ltd., Gopalpur. It belongs to the 4-Quinolone preparations group of medicines.
What is Rifaximin used for?
Rifaximin is used for: Diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
What are the side effects of Rifaximin?
Side effects can include flatulence, headache, abdominal pain, rectal tenesmus, an urge to defecate, nausea, constipation, fever, and vomiting. More serious reactions have also been reported, including anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, and exfoliative dermatitis.
Can I take Rifaximin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rifaximin passes into human breast milk. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Rifaximin?
There is no specific information on how to treat an overdose of Rifaximin. If someone takes too much, stop the Rifaximin, treat the symptoms as they appear, and give supportive measures as needed. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Rifaximin?
Store Rifaximin below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Do I need a prescription for Rifaximin?
Rifaximin is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.