Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) is used to treat traveler's diarrhea caused by certain bacteria in adults and children at least 12 years of age. Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) tablets are used to prevent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (changes in thinking, behaviour, and personality caused by a build-up of toxins in the brain in people who have liver disease) in adults who have liver disease and to treat irritable bowel syndrome (with diarrhea) in adults. Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) is in a class of medications called antibiotics. Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) treats traveler's diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome by stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause diarrhea. Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) treats hepatic encephalopathy by stopping the growth of bacteria that produce toxins and that may worsen liver disease. Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) will not work to treat traveler's diarrhea that is bloody or occurs with fever.

Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) is taken by mouth with or without food. When Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) is used to treat traveler's diarrhea, it is usually taken three times a day for 3 days. When Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) is used to prevent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, it is usually taken twice a day. When Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, it is usually taken three times a day for 14 days. To help you remember to take Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal), take it around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

If you are taking Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) to treat traveler's diarrhea, your symptoms should improve within 24 to 48 hours after you start taking the medication. If your symptoms do not go away or they get worse, or if you develop a fever or bloody diarrhea, call your doctor.

If you are taking Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) to treat irritable bowel syndrome and your symptoms return after you have finished your treatment, call your doctor.

Take Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) as directed, even if you feel better. If you are taking Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) to treat traveler's diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome and you stop taking it too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely cured and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics. If you are taking Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor as you may experience symptoms of encephalopathy.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) you should:

- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Rifaximin, Rifabutin (Mycobutin), Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater, Rimactane), Rifapentine (Priftin), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients;

- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or have recently taken. Be sure to mention Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Restasis, Sandimmune) or other antibiotics. Your doctor may have to change the doses of your medications, monitor you carefully for side effects or treat your diarrhea differently;

- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease;

- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal), call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

- nausea

- stomach pain

- dizziness

- excessive tiredness

- headache

- muscle tightening

- joint pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

- watery or bloody diarrhea that may occur along with stomach cramps and fever during your treatment or for 2 months afterward

- hives

- rash

- itching

- difficulty breathing or swallowing

- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

- hoarseness

Rifaximin (Rifaxiheal) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.