Your session is about to expire
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
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 4 uses including Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Hepatic Encephalopathy .Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
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
Hepatic Encephalopathy
200.0 mg, , 550.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Clostridium difficile infection recurrence
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
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
200.0 mg, , 550.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
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.
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
Clostridium difficile infection recurrence
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Hepatic Encephalopathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Diarrhea
0 Actively Recruiting
Hepatic Encephalopathy
0 Actively Recruiting
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
9 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
24 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 3, Not Applicable
Xifaxan Reviews: What are patients saying about Xifaxan?
5Patient Review
5/6/2019 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 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 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 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 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.
4.7Patient Review
6/15/2020 For more than two decades, I would sporadically suffer from bloating, heartburn, constipation, bad breath, and noxious flatulence. XIFAXAN not only cured me of these symptoms, but also increased my appetite!
4.7Patient Review
5/15/2021 I've been on this medication for six years, and I'm now unemployed and have to rely on COBRA. Does anyone know of a way to get this medicine cheaper than $2,000? My insurance has a high deductible, and the Patient Assistance Program doesn't help. The deductible is useless when it comes to Tier 5 drugs.
3.3Patient Review
5/16/2021 My husband started taking this medication recently. We were able to get it through a Canadian pharmacy for cheaper than with insurance or any discount cards.
2.3Patient Review
5/13/2022 From the very beginning, this medication made me feel tired, confused, and nauseated. It also did nothing to alleviate the pain I was experiencing. Furthermore, it was incredibly expensive -- over $700 for a week's worth of pills. And on top of that, the coupon my gastroenterologist gave me was useless because I have Medicare Advantage. To be fair, he did give me some samples for a 7-day trial period. But all in all, this was a negative experience and no one warned me about the potential side effects ahead of time.
1.7Patient Review
2/8/2019 Salix's monopoly on the market for rifaxamin has left me in a very difficult position. The monthly cost is $2500, and with my copayment, I am already paying almost $500 out of pocket. In three months, I will no longer be able to afford this medication, and as a result, my brain function will rapidly decline.
1Patient Review
12/27/2018 My colitis flared up terribly after starting this medication. More bleeding, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue. I felt one hundred percent worse after just a week and had to stop taking the medication per my doctor's orders.
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