Xifaxan (Rifaximin) - Xifaxan Side Effects, Xifaxan 550
Xifaxanis a drug that is used to fight bacterial infection in the intestines. It is in a tablet form. Its generic name is Rifaximin. This drug is an antibiotic.
Xifaxan Primary Uses:
This drug is used to treat travelers' diarrhea in adults. Children below twelve years old are not allowed to take this drug. It should only be used to treat infections that are strongly caused by susceptible bacteria.
Other Uses For Xifaxan
This drug is also used to lower the risks of severe hepatic encephalopathy, brain function, and liver failure.
Xifaxan Side Effects:
The drugs could have possible side effects which could be mild or severe. This usually happens when the patient is not that fit to take the drugs. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the Xifaxan side effects listed below:
Minor Xifaxan Side Effects
- bloating
- stomach pain
- swelling in your hands, feet, or torso
- feeling like you need to empty your bowel urgently
- feeling like your bowel is not completely empty
- nausea, vomiting, constipation
- headache, dizziness
- tired feeling
Major Xifaxan Side Effects
- allergic reaction
- hives
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- fever or diarrhea that is watery or bloody
Withdrawal Symptoms
Taking this drug regularly for weeks can develop into a certain degree of dependency. When the body has become dependent to drug, not taking it will cause several symptoms. The best thing to do when stopping the drug is to gradually lower the dosage before completely stopping.
How To Take Xifaxan:
Take this drug before taking your meal. Do not break or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole and aid it with a full glass of water. Consult your doctor with regards to the xifaxan dosage that you should be taking. Follow the prescribed Xifaxan dosage. Read carefully and follow the instructions in the prescription label of this drug. Do not abuse the use of this drug. Store at room temperature.
What to Avoid When Taking Xifaxan:
There is no drug-drug interaction with Xifaxan. But better talk to your doctor about this so that you will know what foods or other things you should avoid when taking this drug. However, there are some health problems that interact with the drug. Consult your doctor and tell him in advance if you have the following health problems before taking this drug:
- diarrhea
- fever
- watery or bloody stool
- severe liver disease
Warnings:
Avoid using this drug if you are pregnant. This drug could be dangerous to the unborn baby if taken by the mother. Consult your doctor about this for further instructions. This drug could be harmful to the baby if the mother is breastfeeding. The patient should ask the doctor whether to continue using the drug or stop it. This depends on how important is the drug to the patient. There is no established clinical proof that this drug is safe and effective for patients ages below 12 years old. The higher dosage of this drug is also not safe for patients below 18 years old. Administer with extra caution if the patient is older than 65 years old. This is to prevent possible side effects of the drug. Avoid using this drug for patients with renal impairment. Administer this drug with extra caution and in lower dosage if the patient has hepatic impairment.
Xifaxan Overdose And Remedy:Taking too much of this drug could lead to overdose. Do not take more than what is prescribed to you. The symptoms vary; depending on the how dosage did the patient take. Mild overdose may manifests symptoms that are easily treatable. But if the overdose is in great dosage, there is a great chance that the patient will experience serious health problems. Regardless of how mild or serious is the symptom, seek for immediate medical and help and treatment.
Use this drug according to its purpose. Do not take this without prior knowledge of what to avoid when taking this drug. It is best if you consult your doctor first before taking this drug. Always follow the instructions given to you to avoid serious health problems from occurring. Take note of the things listed above and in the prescription label that usually comes with the drug.