{"id":32423,"date":"2022-11-14T07:30:41","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T07:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=32423"},"modified":"2022-11-15T09:16:11","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T09:16:11","slug":"xifaxan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/xifaxan\/","title":{"rendered":"Xifaxan &#8211; Rifaximin uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>550 mg&nbsp;film-coated tablets<br>rifaximin<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Xifaxan is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Xifaxan contains the active substance rifaximin.\u00a0Rifaximin is an\u00a0antibiotic\u00a0that destroys bacteria that can cause a disease called hepatic encephalopathy (symptoms include agitation, confusion, muscle problems, difficulty speaking, and, in some cases, unconsciousness).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Xifaxan is used in adults with liver disease to reduce the recurrence of episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Xifaxan can either be used alone or, more commonly, together with medicines containing&nbsp;lactulose&nbsp;(a&nbsp;laxative&nbsp;).<br><a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know before you take Xifaxan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not take Xifaxan:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to:<ul><li>rifaximin<\/li><li>similar types of&nbsp;antibiotics&nbsp;(such as rifampicin or rifabutin)<\/li><li>any other ingredient in this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>if your bowel is blocked.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Xifaxan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While taking Xifaxan, your urine may turn a reddish color.&nbsp;It is completely normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment with\u00a0antibiotics, including rifaximin, can cause severe diarrhea.\u00a0This may occur several months after you stop taking the medicine.\u00a0If you develop severe diarrhea while using or after using Xifaxan, stop taking Xifaxan and contact your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your liver problems are severe, your doctor will need to observe you closely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Xifaxan contains&nbsp;sodium<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains less than 1 mmol&nbsp;sodium&nbsp;(23 mg) per tablet, i.e.&nbsp;is almost &#8220;sodium-free&#8221;.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Xifaxan is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.&nbsp;This medicine has not been studied in children and adolescents.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and Xifaxan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or may be taking other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal medicines, or other natural products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>antibiotics&nbsp;(medicines that treat&nbsp;infections&nbsp;)<\/li><li>warfarin&nbsp;(medicines that prevent the formation of blood clots)<\/li><li>antiepileptics&nbsp;(drugs for the treatment of&nbsp;epilepsy&nbsp;)<\/li><li>antiarrhythmics&nbsp;(medicines to treat abnormal heart rhythms)<\/li><li>ciclosporin (drugs that suppress the immune system)<\/li><li>birth control pills<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is not known whether Xifaxan can harm your unborn baby.&nbsp;Xifaxan should therefore not be used if you are pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is not known whether rifaximin can be passed to the baby through breast milk.&nbsp;Xifaxan should therefore not be used if you are breastfeeding.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving ability and use of machinery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Xifaxan does not normally affect the ability to drive or use machines but may cause dizziness in some patients.\u00a0If you feel dizzy, do not drive or use machines.<br>You are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to drive a motor vehicle or perform work that requires increased attention.\u00a0One of the factors that can affect your ability in these respects is the use of drugs due to their effects and\/or\u00a0side effects.\u00a0A description of these effects and\u00a0side effects\u00a0can be found in other sections.\u00a0Read all the information in this leaflet for guidance.\u00a0Discuss with a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to take Xifaxan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always take this medicine as directed by your doctor.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;is 1 tablet taken twice a day with a glass of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep taking Xifaxan until your doctor tells you to stop.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have taken too much Xifaxan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have ingested too much medicine or if, for example,\u00a0a child has ingested the medicine by mistake, contact a doctor or hospital for an assessment of the risk and advice.<br>If you have taken more than the recommended number of tablets, contact your doctor, even if you do not notice any problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to take Xifaxan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Take the next&nbsp;dose&nbsp;at the normal time.&nbsp;Do not take a double&nbsp;dose&nbsp;to make up for a missed tablet.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you stop taking Xifaxan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not stop taking Xifaxan without first talking to your doctor, as your symptoms may return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions about this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause\u00a0side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stop taking Xifaxan and talk to your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following side effects:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Uncommon<\/em>&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 100 users)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 If you bleed from swollen blood vessels in the throat (&nbsp;esophageal varices&nbsp;).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 If you get severe diarrhea while using or after using this medicine.&nbsp;This may be due to an&nbsp;infection&nbsp;in the intestine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Has been reported<\/em>&nbsp;(occurring in an unknown number of users)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 If you have an\u00a0allergic reaction, develop hypersensitivity or\u00a0angioedema. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The symptoms can be<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; difficulty swallowing,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211;&nbsp;hives&nbsp;and difficulty breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2022<\/strong>&nbsp;If you experience unexpected or unusual bleeding or bruising.&nbsp;This may be due to a reduced number of&nbsp;platelets&nbsp;in the blood, which increases the risk of bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Other&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;that may occur<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Common<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Depressed mood<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Dizziness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Headache<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Shortness of breath<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Nausea or vomiting<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Stomach pain or bloating\/swelling<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Diarrhea<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (&nbsp;ascites&nbsp;)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Rash or&nbsp;itching<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Muscle cramps<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Joint pain<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Swollen ankles, feet, or fingers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Uncommon<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Yeast infections (such as thrush)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Urinary tract infections (such as&nbsp;cystitis&nbsp;)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022\u00a0Anemia\u00a0(reduced number of\u00a0red blood cells, which can cause pale skin and cause weakness or shortness of breath)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Loss of appetite<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Hyperkalemia&nbsp;(high level of potassium in the blood)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Confusion<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Anxiety<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Feeling sleepy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Difficulty sleeping<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Feeling unsteady<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Memory loss or poor memory<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Decreased ability to concentrate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Decreased sensation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Convulsions (seizures)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Hot flashes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Fluid around the lungs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Abdominal pain<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Dry mouth<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Muscle pain<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Need to urinate more often than usual<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Difficulty or pain when urinating<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Fever<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Edema&nbsp;(swelling due to too much fluid in the body)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Falling accidents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Rare<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Infection&nbsp;in the lower respiratory tract, including&nbsp;pneumonia<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Cellulitis&nbsp;(&nbsp;inflammation&nbsp;of&nbsp;tissue&nbsp;under the skin)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Infection&nbsp;in the upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, throat)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Rhinitis&nbsp;(&nbsp;inflammation&nbsp;inside the nose)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Dehydration&nbsp;(dehydration)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Blood pressure changes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Persistent breathing problems (such as&nbsp;chronic&nbsp;bronchitis&nbsp;)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Constipation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Back pain<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022&nbsp;Protein&nbsp;in the urine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Feeling of weakness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Bruises<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Pain after&nbsp;surgery<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Has been reported<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;(occurring in an unknown number of users)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Fainting or feeling faint<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Skin irritation,&nbsp;eczema&nbsp;(itchy, red, dry skin)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Reduction in the number of&nbsp;platelets&nbsp;(in the blood)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Altered liver function (seen with a blood test)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 Changes in blood&nbsp;coagulation&nbsp;(liver ring) (international normalized ratio, seen with a blood test)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to store Xifaxan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use before the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after &#8220;EXP&#8221;.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No special storage instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines must not be thrown into the drain or among the household waste.\u00a0Ask the pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer used.\u00a0These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contents declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The active substance is rifaximin.&nbsp;Each tablet contains 550 mg of rifaximin.<br>Other ingredients are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>Tablet core:<\/em>\u00a0sodium starch glycolate (type A), glycerol distearate,\u00a0colloidal\u00a0anhydrous silica, talc, microcrystalline cellulose.<\/li><li><em>Tablet coating (paddy oy-s-34907):<\/em>\u00a0hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), disodium edetate, propylene glycol, red iron oxide (E172)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appearance and package sizes of the medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pink, oval, curved, film-coated tablets marked with \u201cRX\u201d on one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Xifaxan is available in boxes of 14, 28, 42, 56, and 98 tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all pack sizes may be marketed.<a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing authorization holder and manufacturer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Marketing Authorisation Holder:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Norgine BV<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Antonio Vivaldistraat 150<br>1083 HP Amsterdam<br>The Netherlands<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Manufacturer:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alfasigma SpA<br>Via Enrico Fermi, 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>65020 Alanno (PE)<br>Italy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alfasigma S.p.A<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Via Pontina Km 30,400<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>00071 Pomezia (RM)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Italy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>This medicine is approved in the European Economic Area under the names:<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Belgium<\/td><td>TARGAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Denmark<\/td><td>THE XIFAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Finland<\/td><td>TARGAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Germany<\/td><td>THE XIFAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ireland<\/td><td>TARGAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Luxembourg<\/td><td>TARGAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Netherlands<\/td><td>THE XIFAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Norway<\/td><td>THE XIFAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sweden<\/td><td>THE XIFAXAN<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>UK<\/td><td>TARGAXAN<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Xifaxan contains the active substance rifaximin.\u00a0Rifaximin is an\u00a0antibiotic\u00a0that destroys bacteria that can cause a disease called hepatic encephalopathy (symptoms include agitation, confusion, muscle problems, difficulty speaking and, in some cases, unconsciousness).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,22504],"tags":[27999,28005,28002,28000,28003,28001,28006,28004,28008,28007],"class_list":["post-32423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-x","tag-rifaximin","tag-rifaximin-side-effects","tag-rifaximin-tablet","tag-what-is-rifaximin","tag-what-is-xifaxan","tag-what-rifaximin-is-used-for","tag-what-xifaxan-is-used-for","tag-xifaxan","tag-xifaxan-side-effects","tag-xifaxan-tablet"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32423"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32924,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32423\/revisions\/32924"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}