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Xifaxan

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Buy Xifaxan Online

Xifaxan is the brand name for a medication called Rifaximin. It is an antibiotic that is primarily used in the treatment of gastrointestinal infections.

Antibiotic is commonly prescribed to treat various gastrointestinal conditions, including traveler's diarrhea caused by certain bacteria, as well as irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the intestines.

This medication is available in the form of tablets and is typically taken orally.

Xifaxan targets bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract without being significantly absorbed into the bloodstream. It works by disrupting the synthesis of bacterial proteins, ultimately leading to the inhibition of bacterial growth and reducing the associated symptoms.

Composition of Xifaxan

This medicine contains rifaximin which is a semi-synthetic, non-aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is derived from rifamycin SV. The inactive ingredients present in a 200 mg tablet are:

  • Red iron oxide
  • Hypromellose
  • Glycerol palmitostearate
  • Colloidal silicon dioxide
  • Disodium edetate
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Propylene glycol
  • Talc
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Sodium starch glycolate

The additional ingredient present in a 550 mg tablet of Xifaxan is polyvinyl alcohol.

Xifaxan is a medicine used for treating traveler’s diarrhoea

Uses of Xifaxan

The main use of this medication is to treat diarrhoea that results from a bacteria called E. coli (also known as “traveler’s diarrhoea). It can even be effectively used in fever and bloody diarrhoea. The growth of the bacteria is stopped by this drug which helps in the treatment process.

Antibiotic is used for treating bacterial infections only and would not work in case of viral infections (like flu and common cold). The misuse and unnecessary usage of this antibiotic can reduce its effectiveness.

The drug may also be used for treating an irritable bowel syndrome along with diarrhoea. Brain problems that are caused by liver disease (hepatic encephalopathy) may also be prevented by this drug.

Dosage

For conditions like traveler's diarrhea, the typical dosage is usually 200 mg three times a day for 3 days. For hepatic encephalopathy, the usual dosage is 550 mg twice a day.

How to Take

Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Take Xifaxan exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose, and do not stop taking it.
  2. Pharmaceutical product can be taken with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, taking it with food may help alleviate any discomfort.
  3. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets.
  4. It is important to take Xifaxan at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body. Try to take it at the same time(s) every day to help you remember.
  5. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects of Xifaxan

The various side effects associated with the use of Xifaxan that may need immediate medical attention are as follows:

  • Muscle spasm
  • Tarry and black stools
  • Rapid breathing
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Breathlessness
  • Light-headedness or dizziness
  • Bloody nose
  • Blood present in the urine
  • Chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Buzzing and unexplainable noises heard in the ears
  • Increase heartbeat
  • Sunken eyes
  • Feeling as if the surroundings are moving
  • Sensation of spinning
  • Sores, ulcers and white spots present in the mouth
  • Unusual weakness and tiredness
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Redness of the skin
  • Swollen and red skin
  • Scaly skin
  • Itchy skin and rashes
  • Large and hive-like swelling on the lips, eyelids, throat, face, feet, sex organs, legs and hands
  • Reduced heat in the body
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Bloated
  • Difficulty while breathing
  • Full feeling
  • Stomach pain
  • Swelling of the feet, lower legs, hands and ankles
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Confusion
  • Decreased urination
  • Dry lips
  • Hearing loss
  • Loss of appetite
Xifaxan Pills

Contraindications of Xifaxan

If the patient has any of the following conditions, he/she should not be prescribed:

  • Allergic reaction to rifamycin analogues
  • Pregnancy
  • Clostridium Difficile Bacteria Related Colitis
  • Severe Liver Disease

Interactions

Xifaxan may interact with certain medications, substances, or medical conditions. Here are some common interactions:

  1. Drugs that affect the liver: Drug is primarily metabolized in the liver, so medications that affect liver enzymes may alter its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
  2. P-glycoprotein inhibitors: Medicament is a substrate of P-glycoprotein, a protein involved in drug transport. Co-administration of Xifaxan with potent P-glycoprotein inhibitors may increase the concentration of Rifaximin in the body. Examples of P-glycoprotein inhibitors include cyclosporine, ketoconazole, and clarithromycin.
  3. Concomitant antibiotics: Xifaxan is an antibiotic itself, so taking it with other antibiotics may increase the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea or other adverse effects.
  4. Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice may inhibit the breakdown of Xifaxan, leading to increased levels of the medication in the body. It is advisable to avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking Xifaxan.
  5. Pre-existing liver impairment: Xifaxan is generally contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C).

Warnings

Here are some important warnings associated with the use of Xifaxan:

  1. Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Rifaximin. If you develop symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
  2. Severe liver disease: Xifaxan is primarily metabolized in the liver. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in individuals with severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C).
  3. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: Antibiotic use may lead to the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and colitis.
  4. Hypersensitivity to Rifaximin: Xifaxan contains Rifaximin as its active ingredient. If you have a known hypersensitivity to Rifaximin or any other components of the medication, avoid using this drug.
  5. Reduced effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives: Xifaxan may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills.
  6. Potential for bacterial resistance: Prolonged or unnecessary use of Xifaxan or any antibiotic can lead to the development of bacterial resistance, making future infections more difficult to treat. It is crucial to take medicament only as prescribed and to complete the full course of treatment.
  7. Pediatric use: The safety and efficacy of Xifaxan have not been established in children under 12 years of age.

Xifaxan and Alcohol

It is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Xifaxan. Alcohol can have various effects on the body, including the liver, and it may interact with the medication.

Firstly, Rifaximin is primarily metabolized in the liver, and alcohol can also place an additional burden on the liver. Concurrent use of alcohol and Xifaxan may potentially increase the risk of liver-related side effects or impact the effectiveness of the medication.

Secondly, alcohol can exacerbate certain gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or abdominal discomfort, which are sometimes treated with Xifaxan. Consuming alcohol while experiencing these symptoms may worsen their severity or prolong their duration.

Moreover, alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, and combining it with medication may amplify these effects. It is important to prioritize your safety and avoid activities that require alertness and concentration while taking Xifaxan.

Xifaxan and Pregnancy

Animal studies have shown that this drug has adverse effects in the new born child. Though no controlled experimentations have been performed in humans. Xifaxan should only be given to the mother if the benefits are more than the potential risks involved.

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