We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Rifaximin?

By Sarah Woody
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,013
Share

An antibiotic that works differently from many others, rifaximin is used to treat traveler's diarrhea. The prescription drug prevents E. coli from growing in the intestines, but does not treat all bacterial forms of the condition. Other uses for the medication include treatment for hepatic encephalopathy, for which it is considered an orphan drug, and for relieving symptoms for some people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Unlike many other antibiotics, this medication is not absorbed into the blood. Instead, it passes through the stomach and into the intestines, treating bacterial infections found there. This means it will not fight other bacterial infections in the body.

The drug comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth with or without food. When used to treat traveler's diarrhea in adults and children 12 or older, rifaximin is usually taken three times each day over three days. For adults with hepatic encephalopathy, a 550 mg dose is usually prescribed to be taken twice a day. Like all prescription drugs, directions for taking rifaximin should be followed carefully and exactly.

After taking rifaximin, symptoms should improve within a couple of days. If not, the patient should contact a doctor. As with all antibiotics, this one should be taken until finished so as to completely cure the infection or destroy the bacteria. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. A double dose of rifaximin is not to be taken.

Anyone allergic to rifamycin drugs, such as rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine, should tell his doctor before taking this medication. It's important for a patient to tell his doctor about any other drugs or supplements that are being taken as well as any medical conditions he has, including liver disease. If the patient has bloody or watery diarrhea, or diarrhea with a fever, he should let his doctor know.

Side effects caused by this drug include vomiting, hives, a skin rash, and itching. Other side effects include difficulty breathing or swallowing, and swelling of extremities. Also possible but uncommon are fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection. If someone experiences other side effects, he should contact his doctor.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-rifaximin.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.