Rifaximin Tablets

Rifaximin Tablets come with the branding “Mixafir-550” and is used to treat bacterial diarrhoea that may be associated with travellers, specifically the E. coli bacteria infection, hepatic encephalopathy, and IBS-D. Traveller’s diarrhoea is an infection, in which there is passage of watery stools. This disease results in impaired brain function where the liver is injured and cannot effectively filter toxins from the bloodstream. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder that involves the large intestine.

Rifaximin Tablets have ‘Rifaximin’, which acts by binding itself to the bowel and thereby arresting the further spread of infections due to the depletion of friendly bacteria in the intestinal tracts. In this way, it has a positive effect on reduction of the abdominal pain and diarrhoea. It is contraindicated in severe diarrhoea, fever blood stool and other diarrheal conditions due to organisms other than E. coli.

Medical Benefits

• This medicine is an antibiotic used to treat traveller’s diarrhoea, hepatic encephalopathy, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• It is used in the treatment of traveller’s diarrhoea resulting from the non-enterotoxigenic strains of E. coli.
• It is classified as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and is used to get rid of gram-positive, gram-negative, aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria and ammonia-producing bacteria.
• It is a gastrointestinal selective antibiotic that exhibits broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity.
• It is bactericidal as it eliminates the bacteria responsible for infections. Hence, it plays a vital role in managing and containing infections.

Directions For Use

• You should take the right dosage as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• It is recommended to consume it with meals, to avoid having an upset stomach.
• Consume the whole tablet without crushing or chewing it with some water.
• Store Rifaximin Tablets away from children and pets.

Storage

• Do not expose the tablet to direct sunlight or sources of heat as this will affect its quality.
• It is expected that after usage, the cover should be closed to retain the quality of the supplements.
• Place it in a location that is out of children’s reach to prevent them from reaching it.

Precautions

• Consult your doctor before its intake as it may interact with the immune system affecting drugs (cyclosporine) and blood thinners (warfarin).
• Do not take this medicine while you are pregnant, so consult your doctor before consuming it.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol to treat your condition effectively.
• Rifaximin Tablets should not be taken by children without consulting your doctor.
• This medicine should not be taken by people with colitis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), liver disease and diarrhoea caused by other than E coli bacteria.

Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Peripheral oedema (leg swelling)
• Headache
• Nausea

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does this composition have an impact on diagnostic blood test results?

Yes, it may cause alterations in some blood tests, as it elevates liver enzymes in the liver function tests. Advise the person or doctor that is carrying out tests that you are taking it.

How long is this medication prescribed?

It is usually recommended to be taken for 3 days to address the traveller’s diarrhoea and for 14 days for the IC’s treatment. Continue using the recommended drugs as advised by the doctor for the required period.

Is it safe to consume this tablet with blood thinner such as warfarin?

Yes, it may interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin and its ability to perform its activities. If you are taking warfarin, then inform your doctor about it.