What is Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is primarily an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) medication. Containing the drug rifaximin, Xifaxan is an antibiotic which fights bacterial infection within your intestines. Xifaxan is unique in that it is not absorbed into your blood stream but passes into your intestines via your stomach. As well as treating IBS, Xifaxan is also prescribed to treat travelers’ diarrhea caused by E. coli and to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, a brain problem caused by liver disease. Xifaxan can only be used to treat bacterial infections and will not treat viral infections such as flu.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Xifaxan can be taken with or without food.
• Your doctor will dictate your Xifaxan dosage based on why it is being prescribed, your medical condition, response to treatment.
• As an IBS treatment, Xifaxan is typically taken 3 times daily for 14 days.
• As a traveler's diarrhea treatment, Xifaxan is usually taken every 8 hours. You should complete the full prescribed amount of antibiotics even when your symptoms have disappeared.
• To prevent hepatic encephalopathy, this medication is normally taken twice daily.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history.
• If you are breast feeding.

Also be aware that:

• During pregnancy, Xifaxan should only be taken when clearly needed.
• Live bacterial vaccines such as typhoid vaccine may be inneffective while taking Xifaxan therefore you should not have any immunizations or vaccinations while taking it.

Common Xifaxan side effects may include but are not limited to:

• Swelling in your hands or feet.
• Headaches, tiredness or dizziness.
• Nausea. 
• Abnormal liver function tests.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects of Xifaxan:

• Severe stomach pain.
• Bloody or watery diarrhea. Tell your doctor even if this happens months after you finish taking Xifaxan.
• Fluid buildup around the stomach such as rapid weight gain, stomach pain, bloating or breathing problems when lying down.

Q: Is Xifaxan an IBS medication?

A: Yes, Xifaxan is prescribed to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as traveler's diarrhea and hepatic encephalopathy.

Q: How much does Xifaxan cost?

A: The price of Xifaxan is based on if you buy the brand name or the generic alternative Rifaximin. You can get Xifaxan 550mg or Rifaximin in 550mg or 400mg. You don’t need a Xifaxan coupon to get our great prices.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose of Xifaxan?

A: If you forget to take a dose of Xifaxan, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at one time.