Rifaximin

Generic name: rifaximin [ rif-AX-i-min ]
Brand name: Xifaxan
Dosage form: oral tablet (200 mg; 550 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antibiotics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 16, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is rifaximin?

Rifaximin is used to treat travelers' diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Most people get this infection by eating food or drinking fluids that have been contaminated with the E. coli bacteria.

Rifaximin is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults whose main symptom is diarrhea.

Rifaximin is also used to lower the risk of a decline in brain function in adults with liver failure. Brain function can be affected when the liver stops working and cannot remove toxic substances from the body.

Rifaximin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take rifaximin if you are allergic to rifaximin, rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• diarrhea with a fever; or

• watery or bloody diarrhea.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Rifaximin should not be given to a child young...