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February 10, 2012
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Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Xifaxan

Generic Name: rifaximin (Pronunciation: rif AX i min)

What is rifaximin (Xifaxan)?

Rifaximin is an antibiotic that fights bacterial infection only in the intestines. It is used to treat travelers' diarrhea caused by E. coli. Most people get this infection by eating food or drinking fluids that have been contaminated with the bacteria.

Rifaximin works differently from other antibiotics because it passes through your stomach and into your intestines without being absorbed into your blood stream. Because rifaximin treats only the intestinal tract, it will not treat infections of other parts of the body.

Rifaximin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Xifaxan 200 mg

round, brown, imprinted with XS

What are the possible side effects of rifaximin (Xifaxan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rifaximin and call your doctor at once if you have a fever or diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

  • bloating, gas, stomach pain;
  • feeling like you need to empty your bowel urgently;
  • feeling like your bowel is not completely empty;
  • nausea, vomiting, constipation;
  • headache;
  • fever;
  • vaginal itching or discharge; or
  • mild itching or skin rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rifaximin (Xifaxan)?

Rifaximin works differently from other antibiotics because it passes through your stomach and into your intestines without being absorbed into your blood stream. Because rifaximin affects only the intestinal tract, it will not treat infections of other parts of the body.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to rifaxmin, or if you have diarrhea with a fever, or watery or bloody diarrhea.

Rifaximin is not likely to cause serious side effects. You may have some stomach discomfort such as bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or feeling like you need to empty your bowel urgently, and then feeling like your bowel is not completely empty.


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Brand Names:
Xifaxan
[+]

Generic Name:
rifaximin
[+]

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