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Rifaximin

Rifaximin is prescribed for bacterial infections, which can cause hepatic encephalopathy.

Can I buy Rifaximin online?

The Online Clinic can prescribe Rifaximin for travellers' diarrhoea. Please complete a quick online consultation to get started.

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What is Rifaximin?

Rifaximin is a rifamycin class of antibiotic. It is used to kill bacteria in individuals with liver disease, thereby reducing the risk of recurring episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. It is frequently used together with the laxative lactulose.

Rifaximin permanently binds to a bacterial enzyme that is important in bacterial replication. By inhibiting bacterial division, it reduces the production of compounds that are thought to be involved in the disease processes causing hepatic encephalopathy.

How to use Rifaximin

One rifaximin tablet is taken two times a day with a full glass of water. No dosage alterations are required for people with impaired liver function. To prevent return of your symptoms, continue taking rifaximin until told to stop by your doctor. Treatment for longer than 6 months will only be considered if the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of liver dysfunction.

Inform a doctor if you take too many tablets and, if you miss a tablet, then do not take two at the same time - take the dose when you remember or skip it and resume taking the tablets as scheduled.

Who can use Rifaximin?

Rifaximin is for adult (18 years or older)-use only. It must not be taken by individuals with an allergy to rifaximin, antibiotics in the rifamycin class or to the other tablet ingredients, or you have an intestinal blockage. Additionally, do not take this medicine if pregnant or breastfeeding (or considering either) as it is not known whether rifaximin can harm unborn or suckling babies.

Severe diarrhoea may occur either during or after using rifaximin; if this happens then stop the medicine and immediately contact a doctor. It is worth noting that it is normal if your urine turns red in colour, and that you will be monitored carefully if you have severe liver disorder.

Your doctor will want to know which prescription/non-prescription medicines that you take, particularly other antibiotics, the anticoagulant warfarin, epilepsy treatments, medicines to normalise heartbeat, the immunosuppressant ciclosporin, and oral contraceptives.

Rifaximin side effects

Immediate discontinuation of rifaximin is warranted if you have bleeding from your throat, severe diarrhoea during/after use, an allergic reaction (e.g., face/throat swelling, swallowing or breathing difficulties, hives), or abnormal bleeding or bruising.

Commonly, adults report dizziness, headache, gut disturbances (e.g., feeling/being sick, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and fluid accumulation), breathing problems, depressed mood, muscle cramps, and joint pain. Sometimes reported are other infections, anaemia, high blood potassium levels, confusion, memory and concentration problems, seizures, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and urinary problems. Rarely, other side effects include cellulitis, dehydration, back pain, protein in urine, and changes in blood pressure, blood coagulation, and liver function.

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