Hepaximin 550

Generic

Rifaximin

 

Indications

Acute infectious diarrhea including travelers' diarrhea, Diarrhoea predominant irritable Bowel Syndrome (lBS-D), and Hepatic Encephalopathy.

 

Pharmacology

Rifaximin is a non-aminoglycoside, semi-synthetic, antibacterial derived from Rifamycin. Rifaximin acts by binding to the beta-subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase resulting in inhibition of bacterial RNA synthesis.

 

Dosage and Administration 

Traveler's Diarrhea: For patients ≥12 years of age: 200 mg 3 times daily for 3 days.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: For patients ≥18 years of age: 550 mg 2 times daily.
Bacterial overgrowth of irritable bowel syndrome: 400 mg 3 times daily for 10 days or 550 mg 3 times daily for 14 days. Can be taken with or without food

 

Interaction

Rifaximin has been shown to induce CYP3A4 in an in vitro investigation. Rifaximin, at the recommended dose regimen, is not predicted to induce CYP3A4 in persons with normal liver function.

 

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Rifaximin, any of the rifamycin antibacterial agents, or any of the product's components is contraindicated.

 

Side Effects

Common side effects are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, headache, and dizziness.

 

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Hepaximin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

lt is not known whether Rifaximin is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for adverse reactions in nursing infants from Hepaximin, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

 

Precautions & Warnings

In patients with diarrhea that is accompanied by a fever and/or blood in the feces, rifaximin has not been found to be beneficial. Nearly all antibacterial drugs have been linked to pseudomembranous colitis, which can range in severity from moderate to life-threatening.

 

Therapeutic Class

Preparations containing four quinolones.

 

Storage Conditions

 Store in a cool & dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

 

Pharmaceutical Name

Aristopharma Ltd.