Rifaximin(reh facks’ ah men)
XifaxanDNC
PREGNANCY CATEGORY C
Drug Classes
Antibiotic
Antidiarrheal
Therapeutic Actions
A structural analogue of rifampin; binds to bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis. Ninety-seven percent passes through the GI tract unchanged; affects Escherichia coli in the GI tract; cause of most traveler’s diarrhea.
Indications
Treatment of patients 12 yr or older with traveler’s diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of E. coli
Reduction of recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with advanced liver disease
Unlabeled uses: IBS, Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergy to rifaximin, rifampin, or any component of the drug; diarrhea complicated by fever or blood in the stool or caused by pathogens other than E. coli; lactation.
Use cautiously with pregnancy.
Available Forms
TabletsDNC—200, 550 mg
Dosages
Adults and patients 12 yr and older
Traveler’s diarrhea: 200 mg PO tid for 3 days.
Adults
Hepatic encephalopathy: 550 mg PO bid.
Pediatric patients younger than 12 yr
Safety and efficacy not established.
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