Indications
Rifaxin is indicated for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of E. coli, for reducing the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy, and for bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
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.
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.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.