FAQs

Why should I read this patient information about Xifaxan?

This section contains important information about Xifaxan^® (rifaximin) Tablets and should be read completely before you begin treatment. This section does not take the place of discussions with your doctor or health care professional about your medical condition or your treatment. This section does not list all the benefits and risks of Xifaxan. The medicine described here can be prescribed only by a doctor or health care professional. If you have any questions about Xifaxan, talk with your doctor or health care professional. Only your doctor or health care professional can determine if Xifaxan is right for you.

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What is Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is a nonsystemic (does not get into your bloodstream) antibiotic used to treat diarrhea caused by consuming food or fluids contaminated with germs called bacteria. Xifaxan Tablets are pink and contain 200 mg of active drug. When you swallow Xifaxan, the drug passes into and remains entirely in your gut (the gastrointestinal tract). This is different from how other antibiotics work. Other antibiotics typically pass from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. Because Xifaxan remains in the gastrointestinal tract, it is not suitable for treating other infections such as chest, sinus, or lung infections caused by bacteria.

Sometimes viruses rather than bacteria may cause diarrhea. Xifaxan, like all other antibiotics, does not kill viruses. You should contact your doctor or health care professional if you think your condition is getting worse or is not improving after 24-48 hours (1-2 days) while taking Xifaxan.

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When should I take Xifaxan?

Xifaxan should be taken when you are traveling and get diarrhea but have no fever or bloody stools.

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Can I take Xifaxan if I am pregnant?

Xifaxan has not been studied in women who are pregnant or nursing. Do not take this medication before speaking with your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or nursing.

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Can I give Xifaxan to my child?

Xifaxan is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age.

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What are the possible side effects of Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects reported by patients taking Xifaxan were flatulence (gas), headache, stomach pain, sensations of needing to empty the bowel, urgent bowel movements, nausea, constipation, fever, and vomiting. In a small number of patients, allergic reactions such as hives and skin rash have also been reported after treatment with Xifaxan. You should be careful about driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy while taking Xifaxan.

If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this section or if you have any concerns about the side effects you are experiencing, please inform your doctor or health care provider.

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What you should remember when taking Xifaxan:

• Complete the course of medication, even if you are feeling better.
• Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
• Xifaxan should only be used to treat diarrhea, and it should not be used to treat any other bacterial infections.
• If while taking Xifaxan your condition doesn’t improve or gets worse after 24-48 hours (1-2 days), you should contact your doctor or health care provider.

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How should I take Xifaxan?

Xifaxan should be swallowed. One tablet should be taken 3 times a day for 3 days as per your prescription, with or without food. Even if you feel better before you finish treatment, you should complete the full course of the medication.

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Who should not take Xifaxan?

If you have a fever and/or bloody stools, you should not take Xifaxan, and you should speak with your doctor.

Xifaxan should not be used to treat a form of diarrhea known as dysentery. Symptoms of amoebic dysentery are often mild and vague. Usually there is persistent, low-grade abdominal discomfort and nausea, mild diarrhea with blood and mucus, and sometimes tenderness over the liver.

You should not take Xifaxan if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the group of antibiotics known as "rifamycins," such as rifampin, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in Xifaxan.

Xifaxan has not been shown to cause interactions with other drugs. However, it is always important that you inform your doctor or health care provider of any other medications you are taking before starting treatment with Xifaxan.

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