Xifaxan

Clostridium difficile infection recurrence, Hepatic Encephalopathy, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) + 3 more
Treatment
8 FDA approvals
17 Active Studies for Xifaxan

What is Xifaxan

RifaximinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryRifaximin is an antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including traveler's diarrhea caused by E. coli, the recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy, and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in adults. It is sold under the brand name Xifaxan by Salix Pharmaceuticals and does not get absorbed into the bloodstream like other antibiotics taken orally.
Xifaxanis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Xifaxan Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Xifaxan
Rifaximin
2004
11

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Rifaximin, also known as Xifaxan, is approved by the FDA for 8 uses including Bacterial Infections and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) .
Bacterial Infections
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
prophylaxis of Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE)
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy

Effectiveness

How Xifaxan Affects PatientsRifaximin is a type of antibiotic that is designed to be active only in the digestive tract. It works by blocking bacteria from making new RNA, which helps restore balance to the bacteria in the gut. It also activates a protein called pregnane X receptor (PXR), which is responsible for reducing inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This makes it an effective treatment for IBS-D.
How Xifaxan works in the bodyRifaximin works by blocking the production of RNA in germs. It does this by attaching itself to an enzyme that helps make RNA, preventing it from doing its job. This stops the germs from being able to make RNA, which they need to survive.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended measure of Xifaxan relies upon the determined condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Hepatic Encephalopathy. The portion of dosage is contingent upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet - Oral) specified in the table hereunder.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Clostridium difficile infection recurrence
200.0 mg, , 550.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Hepatic Encephalopathy
200.0 mg, , 550.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
200.0 mg, , 550.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
200.0 mg, , 550.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Diarrhea
200.0 mg, , 550.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Hepatic Encephalopathy
200.0 mg, , 550.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Xifaxan.
Common Xifaxan Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Capmatinib
Major
The serum concentration of Capmatinib can be decreased when it is combined with Rifaximin.
Lumateperone
Major
The serum concentration of Lumateperone can be decreased when it is combined with Rifaximin.
Mycophenolate mofetil
Major
The serum concentration of Mycophenolate mofetil can be decreased when it is combined with Rifaximin.
Mycophenolic acid
Major
The serum concentration of Mycophenolic acid can be decreased when it is combined with Rifaximin.
Ranolazine
Major
The metabolism of Ranolazine can be increased when combined with Rifaximin.
Xifaxan Toxicity & Overdose RiskTests have found that the lowest toxic dose of the drug in rats is greater than 2g/kg when taken orally.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Xifaxan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Xifaxan?

33 active trials are currently investigating the potential of Xifaxan to prevent Clostridium difficile infection recurrence, Hepatic Encephalopathy and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Early Phase 1
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
9 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4, Not Applicable
Diarrhea
0 Actively Recruiting
Hepatic Encephalopathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hepatic Encephalopathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Clostridium difficile infection recurrence
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3

Xifaxan Reviews: What are patients saying about Xifaxan?

5Patient Review
5/6/2019
Xifaxan for Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Colon
After 40 years of daily diarrhea, this treatment finally provided me with some relief. I only needed four rounds over the course of 2.5 years to see results that lasted 6-9 months each time. The cost is high, but for me it was worth it.
5Patient Review
11/9/2019
Xifaxan for Impaired Brain Function due to Liver Disease
This drug was a literal lifesaver. I experienced high ammonia levels from Depakote ER, which can lead to hepatic encephalopathy. Thankfully, my insurance covered the entire cost of the treatment.
5Patient Review
11/24/2019
Xifaxan for Diarrhea Predominant Irritable Colon
After struggling for years, this 14-day treatment finally provided me with relief from my IBS. My doctor recommended a Canadian pharmacy so that I could avoid the high prices in the United States.
5Patient Review
11/9/2019
Xifaxan for Impaired Brain Function due to Liver Disease
This medication has been a life-saver for me, both in terms of my mental health and my liver function. I'm so grateful that my insurance covers the entire cost!
5Patient Review
1/18/2019
Xifaxan for Diarrhea caused by E. Coli Bacteria
This medication completely changed my quality of life for the better. I had no idea how much SIBO was impacting me until I started taking this and felt the difference.
View All Reviews
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about xifaxan

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What is XIFAXAN prescribed for?

"XIFAXAN is a prescription antibiotic that is effective in treating diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome in adults. The recommended dosage is two 550 mg tablets taken over the course of two weeks."

Answered by AI

What bacteria does XIFAXAN treat?

"This medication is used to treat diarrhea caused by E. coli. Rifaximin should not be used if you have a fever or bloody diarrhea. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of XIFAXAN?

"The following are symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, gas, stomach pain, feeling like you need to urgently empty your bowel, and feeling like your bowel is not completely empty."

Answered by AI

What does XIFAXAN do for IBS?

"In those who have IBS with diarrhea consisting of abdominal symptoms and more than three bowel movements per day, rifaximin improves the patient's global impression of IBS symptoms compared with placebo."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Xifaxan

Have you considered Xifaxan clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Xifaxan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Xifaxan clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Xifaxan, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Xifaxan clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Xifaxan, we think they might fit your search criteria.