Rifaximin is used to treat diarrhoea in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (a long-term disorder of the digestive system that involves a group of symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea) and traveller's diarrhoea caused by Escherichia coli bacteria.
This medicine may also be used to prevent the recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (brain impairment associated with liver disease).
Take Rifaximin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Take Rifaximin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Rifaximin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as rifampicin and rifabutin.
Alert your doctor if you have blocked bowel as Rifaximin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Rifaximin is not intended for the treatment of diarrhoea complicated by fever, diarrhoea with blood in stools, or if you have 8 or more loose stools in the last 24 hours.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Rifaximin to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood ammonia levels) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests. Regular monitoring of your body temperature and for signs of blood in stools, skin changes or allergic reactions may also be needed.
Rifaximin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, cough, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, depression, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and muscle cramps.
Your urine may look slightly reddish in colour. This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- severe watery diarrhoea, severe stomach pain, blood in stools
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rifaximin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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