Pregnancy Interaction

• Rifakem 200 mg Tablet (Rifaximin) is regarded as relatively safe during pregnancy, given its low gastrointestinal absorption and localized action.
• But there isn't much safety evidence on pregnant women, so it should only be used if a doctor says it's necessary.
• No known adverse effects on the fetus, however you should be careful.
• Don't take medicine on your own when you're pregnant.

Faq For Medicine

Q 1: What is the purpose of the Rifakem 200 mg Tablet?

It is used to treat bacterial infections of the intestines, like traveler's diarrhea, infectious diarrhea, IBS-D, and hepatic encephalopathy (to lower ammonia levels).

Q2. Does it get into the body?

There is very little absorption. It functions in the intestines where it is located.

Q3. Will it help with the flu or a cold?

No. It only works for bacterial infections, not for viruses.

Q4: Is it safe for kids?

Yes, but only with the help of a doctor. The dose depends on how old you are and what you have.

Q5. Can it make antibiotics less effective?

It's rare since it generally stays in the intestines.

Q6: Is it okay to take it on an empty stomach?

Yes, but eating with it could help your stomach feel better.

Q7. Does it change the microorganisms that live in your gut?

It has little effect compared to other antibiotics because it mostly works on bad bacteria.

Expert Advice

• Finish the whole course, even if your symptoms get better right away.
• Drink a lot of fluids to keep from being dehydrated when you have diarrhea.
• Don't drink alcohol while you're getting therapy.
• Tell your doctor if you have severe stomach discomfort, diarrhea that won't go away, or blood in your stool.
• If you have diarrhea that lasts more than two days, don't use it without talking to a doctor first.
• People with serious liver condition should be careful when using this.
• Not useful for infections that affect the whole body.

 Side Effects

• A lot of times:
• Sick
• Feeling bloated
• Pain in the stomach
• Pain in the head
• More frequent bowel motions
• Not as common:
• Constipation
• Mouth that is dry
• Rash
• Serious (not often):
• Very bad diarrhea (C. difficile infection)
• Hard time breathing
• Face and lip swelling
• Reactions to allergies
• If you have serious symptoms, get medical attention right away.

 How it works

• Rifaximin is an antibiotic in the rifamycin class.
• It works by blocking bacteria from making RNA, which stops them from growing.
• Its effects are limited to the intestinal lumen because it does not enter the circulation.
• Helpful for infections in the intestines and lowering the number of bacteria that make ammonia in the gut.

Medicine Interaction

• Be careful when using with:
• P-gp inhibitors, like Cyclosporine, may raise the level of rifaximin.
• Warfarin: may change INR (rare)
• Use antidiarrheals (Loperamide) with care.
• Alcohol makes diarrhea worse and makes treatment less effective.
• There aren't many interactions because absorption is relatively low, but you should always tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.

 How to Use

• Take one tablet two to three times a day, or as directed by your doctor.
• You can take it with or without food.
• Do not crumble or chew; just swallow whole with water.
• If you skip a dose:
• Take when you recall
• If you're near to your next dose, skip it.
• Don't take two doses
• For optimal results, finish the whole course.

Uses / Indications

• Diarrhea in travelers
• Diarrhea that is contagious
• Diarrhea with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D)
• Hepatic encephalopathy (lowers the amount of ammonia produced)
• Too many bacteria in the intestines (SIBO)
• Infections in the intestines caused by E. coli