Category: Liver Disease

Description

This page contains brief details about the drug rifaximin, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Date of Approval

Rifaximin is an antibiotic and received its initial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 27, 2004.

Mechanism of Action of Rifaximin

Rifaximin acts by binding to the bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase blocking one of the steps in the transcription process. This results in the inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis and consequently inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Uses of Rifaximin

It is used to treat traveler’s diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli in adults. It is also used to prevent the recurrence of episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy (symptomatic loss of brain function) in adults with liver disease. This medicine can be used alone or in combination with medicines containing lactulose.

Rifaximin Dosage available

Rifaximin is available as a tablet in doses of 200mg, 400mg, and 550mg. Always use this medicine as exactly prescribed by your doctor. Depending on the condition being treated, your physician decides the dose, dosage, and duration of the treatment. Take the tablet at the same time every day, with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets.