Rifamax 550

Generic

Rifaximin

 

Indications

Rifaximin is used to treat traveler's diarrhea caused by noninvasive E. coli strains, as well as to reduce the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy and bacterial overgrowth in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

 

Pharmacology

Rifaximin is a rifamycin-based non-systemic antibiotic that is semi-synthetic. Unlike other forms of orally given antibiotics, very little of the medication will get through the gut wall into the circulation. Rifaximin acts on the beta-subunit of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase to limit bacterial RNA production. It has the same broad spectrum activity as rifamycin, which kills Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.

 

Dosage & 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 stimulate CYP3A4 in an in vitro investigation. Rifaximin, at the recommended dosage regimen, is not predicted to stimulate CYP3A4 in people with normal liver function.

 

Contraindications

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

 

Side Effect

Flatulence, headache, stomach discomfort, rectal tenesmus, defecation urgency, nausea, constipation, pyrexia, and vomiting are some of the side effects. Anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, and exfoliative dermatitis have all been described as side effects.

 

Pregnancy & Lactation

C is the category of regnancy. Rifaximin is unknown whether or not it is eliminated in human milk.

 

Precautions & Warnings

In individuals with diarrhea that is accompanied by a fever and/or blood in the feces, rifaximin has not been proven to be beneficial. If diarrhea symptoms worsen or last longer than 24 hours, rifaximin medication should be stopped and an alternative antibiotic should be sought. Nearly all antibacterial drugs have been linked to pseudomembranous colitis, which can range in severity from moderate to life-threatening. As a result, this diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with diarrhea following the use of antimicrobial drugs.

 

Therapeutic Class

4-Quinolone preparations

 

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

 

Pharmaceutical Name

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.