Rifaxa

Rifaximin for Gastrointestinal Health: Effective Treatment for Traveler’s Diarrhea, IBS, and Hepatic Encephalopathy

Rifaximin is a non-systemic antibiotic designed to treat gastrointestinal bacterial infections. It is particularly effective in managing traveler’s diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli, reducing the recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy in adults, and treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) in both men and women.

This medication works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis, which helps restore the balance of intestinal microflora. Rifaximin is not absorbed into the bloodstream, making it a localized treatment that targets bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract without causing systemic side effects.

The recommended dosage varies depending on the condition being treated. For traveler’s diarrhea, adults and children over 12 years old can take 200 mg tablets. For the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy recurrence, adults take 550 mg tablets twice a day. For IBS-D, the same dosage of 550 mg tablets is prescribed twice daily.

Rifaximin is available under the brand names Xifaxan and Zaxine. It is marketed by Salix Pharmaceuticals and has been approved by the FDA for its multiple indications. The medication is oval, biconvex, pink film-coated tablets containing 550 mg of rifaximin, marked RX on one side.

Given its localized action and minimal side effects, rifaximin is a reliable choice for managing various gastrointestinal conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.