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Indications ⬇

REMS

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: peripheral edema

GI: CLOSTRIDIOIDES DIFFICILE-­ASSOCIATED DIARRHEA (CDAD)

Neuro: dizziness

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)
  • Tablets: 200 mg; 550 mg

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Travelers’ Diarrhea

  • PO (Adults and Children ≥12 yr): 200 mg 3 times daily for 3 days.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

  • PO (Adults ): 550 mg twice daily.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea

  • PO (Adults ): 550 mg 3 times daily for 14 days; if recurrence of symptoms, may treat up to an additional two times.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Xifaxan

Action ⬆ ⬇

  • Inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Decreased severity of travelers’ diarrhea.
  • Decreased episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Decreased signs/symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

Spectrum:

  • Escherichia coli (enterotoxigenic and enteroaggregative strains).

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: anti-infectives

Pharmacologic Classification: rifamycins

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Poorly absorbed (<0.4%); action is primarily in GI tract.

Distribution: 80–90% concentrated in gut.

Metabolism/Excretion: Almost exclusively excreted unchanged in feces.

Half-Life: 6 hr.

Canadian Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Zaxine

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknownunknownunknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

  • Explain purpose and side effects of medication to patient. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy. Instruct patient to take as directed and to complete therapy, even if feeling better.
  • Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
  • Advise patient to stop taking rifaximin if diarrhea symptoms get worse, persist >24–48 hr, or are accompanied by fever or blood in the stool. Consult health care provider if these occur. Advise patient not to treat diarrhea without consulting health care provider. May occur up to several weeks after discontinuation of medication.
  • May cause dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
  • Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Pronunciation ⬆ ⬇

ri-FAX-i-min

Code ⬆

NDC Code