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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rifaximin (Xifaxan)?

You should not use take this medication if you are allergic to rifaximin or medications such as rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate), or rifapentine (Priftin).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a rifaximin dose adjustment or special tests:

• severe liver disease;
• diarrhea with a fever; or
• watery or bloody diarrhea.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether rifaximin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether rifaximin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take rifaximin (Xifaxan)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Rifaximin can be taken with or without food.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Rifaximin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu, or any form of diarrhea that is caused by a virus.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 24 hours, or if they get worse while taking rifaximin. Rifaximin does not treat all bacterial forms of traveler's diarrhea.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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