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  3. Rifaxor 550mg Tablet

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet, Pack of 1 Tablet
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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is used to treat infectious traveller's diarrhoea caused by E.coli bacteria, hepatic encephalopathy (decreased brain function due to liver disease) and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D). It contains Rifaximin, which works by working on the bowel and preventing the spread of infections caused by the loss of beneficial gut bacteria. Thus, it helps in relieving abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as headaches, peripheral oedema (leg swelling), nausea, dizziness, fatigue, ascites (excess fluid buildup in the abdomen), and increased liver enzymes (ALT). Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.

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Composition :

RIFAXIMIN-550MG

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Rifaxor 550mg Tablet

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is used to treat infectious traveller's diarrhoea, hepatic encephalopathy and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D). Traveller’s diarrhoea is an infection in which there is a passage of unformed stools. Hepatic encephalopathy causes loss of brain function when a damaged liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood. Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition which affects the large intestine.

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet contains Rifaximin, which works by acting on the bowel and preventing the spread of infections caused by the loss of beneficial gut bacteria. 

Common side effects of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet include headache, leg swelling, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, ascites (excess fluid buildup in the abdomen), and increased liver enzymes (ALT). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not chew, crush, or break the medicine.

Before starting Rifaxor 550mg Tablet, please inform your doctor if you have any allergies (to any antibiotic) or kidney or liver problems. Do not take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet for more than 3 days unless your doctor prescribes it. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is not recommended for children as efficacy and safety have not been established.

Uses of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is used in the treatment of travelles diarrhoea, liver encephalopathy, and irritable bowel syndrome due to diarrhoea. The detailed uses of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet are as follows:<br/>

  • Diarrhea in Travelers: Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is frequently used to treat patients' diarrhea brought on by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli when they are visiting places with contaminated food or water.<br/>
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): By treating intestinal bacterial overgrowth, Rifaxor 550mg Tablet can help reduce IBS symptoms, especially those with diarrhoea as the predominant symptom. <br/>
  • Simple Infections: Rifaxor 550mg Tablet works well for treating simple gastrointestinal infections that might not be improving with other antibiotics.<br/>
  • Complications Associated with Liver Disease: By reducing the amount of ammonia-producing bacteria in the gut, this medication helps treat hepatic encephalopathy. This condition can develop in people with liver disease.<br/>

Directions for Use

• Take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet with or without food as advised by your doctor. • It is advised to take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet three times daily; however, follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration. • Swallow Rifaxor 550mg Tablet as a whole with a glass of water. • Do not crush, chew or break it.

Medicinal Benefits

  • Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is used to treat traveller’s diarrhoea caused by noninvasive strains of E.coli.
  • Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and ammonia-producing bacteria.
  • This medicine is a gastrointestinal-selective antibiotic with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
  • Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is bactericidal in nature and works by killing the bacteria that cause infections. Thus, it helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
  • Thus, Rifaxor 550mg Tablet helps in relieving abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
  • Rifaxor 550mg Tablet should not be used in patients with diarrhoea complicated by fever or blood in the stool and diarrhoea due to pathogens other than Escherichia coli (E.coli).

How Rifaxor 550mg Tablet Works

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet contains Rifaximin, which works by working on the bowel and preventing the spread of infections caused by the loss of beneficial gut bacteria. Thus, Rifaxor 550mg Tablet helps in relieving abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Rifaxor 550mg Tablet should not be used in patients with diarrhoea complicated by fever or blood in the stool and diarrhoea due to pathogens other than Escherichia coli (E.coli).

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. • Keep out of sight and reach of children. • Non cold chain - To be stored in cool places at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.
Side effects of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet
Here are the steps to manage Gastrointestinal Air and Swelling (GAS) caused by medication:
  • Tell your doctor about your GAS symptoms. They may change your medication regimen or prescribe additional drugs to help you manage them.
  • To manage GAS symptoms, eat a balanced diet of fibre, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Drink enough water throughout the day to avoid constipation and treat GAS symptoms.
  • Regular exercise like yoga and walking may help stimulate digestion and alleviate GAS symptoms.
  • Take probiotics only if your doctor advises, as they may help alleviate GAS symptoms by promoting gut health.
  • Take medication for GAS symptoms only if your doctor advises, as certain medications can interact with your existing prescriptions or worsen symptoms.
  • If symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or bleeding, seek immediate medical attention.
Dealing with Medication-Induced Headache:
  • Hydrate your body: Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and headaches.
  • Calm Your Mind: Deep breathing and meditation can help you relax and relieve stress.
  • Rest and Recharge: Sleep for 7-8 hours to reduce headache triggers.
  • Take rest: lie down in a quiet, dark environment.
  • Cold or warm compresses can help reduce tension.
  • Stay Upright: Maintain good posture to keep symptoms from getting worse.
  • To treat headaches naturally, try acupuncture or massage therapy.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  • Prescription Assistance: Speak with your doctor about more substantial drug alternatives.
  • Severe Headaches: Seek emergency medical assistance for sudden, severe headaches.
  • Frequent Headaches: If you get reoccurring headaches, consult your doctor.
  • Headaches with Symptoms: Seek medical attention if your headaches include fever, disorientation, or weakness.
  • Eat fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes to promote regular bowel movements.
  • Drink plenty of water to soften stool and make it easier to pass.
  • Avoid trigger foods like dairy, gluten, or spicy foods that can worsen constipation.
  • Exercise regularly, like walking or yoga, to stimulate bowel movements.
  • Practice yoga and pelvic floor exercises to strengthen muscles involved in bowel movements.
  • Inform your doctor if you experience severe symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in the stool.
  • Drink water or other clear fluids.
  • To prevent worsening of pain, limit intake of tea, coffee, or alcohol.
  • Include bland foods like rice, toast, crackers, and rice in your diet.
  • Avoid lying down immediately after eating as it may cause indigestion or heartburn.
  • Avoid acidic and spicy food as it may cause indigestion.
  • Defecation urgency can bother you, and if this happens without a specific reason, consult your doctor.
  • Avoid infections that may frequently occur by maintaining good hygiene if you have an issue of frequent bowel movements.
  • Avoid eating fibre-containing foods, nuts and caffeine that make you feel like defecating.
  • Stay calm and do not smoke or drink alcohol, as it can worsen your condition.
  • Contract specific muscles near the anus that help to stop releasing the stool.
  • Try to stand or lie down instead of sitting for long hours if you have defecation urgency.
Overcome Medication-Induced Nausea: A 9-Step Plan
  • Inform your doctor about the nausea and discuss possible alternatives to the medication or adjustments to the dosage.
  • Divide your daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, plain rice, bananas, and applesauce.
  • Avoid certain foods that can trigger nausea, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, and smelly foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.
  • Use ginger (tea, ale, or candies) to help relieve nausea.
  • Get adequate rest and also avoid strenuous activities that can worsen nausea.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication if your nausea is severe.
  • Record when your nausea occurs, what triggers it, and what provides relief to help you identify patterns and manage your symptoms more effectively.
Here are the steps to cope with constipation as a side effect of medication:
  • Inform your doctor about your constipation symptoms. They may adjust your medication or advise alternative treatments.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient of water (at least 8-10 glasses a day) to help soften stool and promote bowel movements.
  • Increase fibre intake by eating foods high in fibre, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables and legumes, to help bulk up the stool.
  • Establish a bowel routine by trying to go to the bathroom at the same time each day to train your bowels.
  • Engaging in regular exercise, like walking or yoga, can support in bowel movement stimulation.
  • Consult your doctor if constipation persists, and discuss alternative treatments or adjustments to your medication.

What if I have taken an overdose of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet

Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet as it may cause overdose. If you suspect you have taken overdose, please consult a doctor immediately.

Drug Warnings

  • Do not take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have a fever, blood in stools, passed 8 or more unformed stools in the last 24 hours, constipation, vomiting, and abdominal pain caused by blockage of the bowel.
  • Talk to your doctor if your condition does not improve, symptoms continue or re-appear even after taking Rifaxor 550mg Tablet for 3 days.
  • Do not take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet for more than 3 days unless prescribed; if there is no symptomatic improvement, consult your doctor.
  • Avoid taking Rifaxor 550mg Tablet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; talk to your doctor; he/she may prescribe you with alternate medicine.
  • Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is not recommended for children below 12 years of age as the efficacy and safety have not been established.
  • Patients with liver complications should avoid taking Rifaxor 550mg Tablet or consult a doctor before using Rifaxor 550mg Tablet.
  • Monitor bleeding time parameters like INR and prothrombin time while using Rifaxor 550mg Tablet.

Drug-Drug Interactions

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RifaximinCholera, live attenuated
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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RifaximinCholera, live attenuated
Severe
How does the drug interact with Rifaxor 550mg Tablet:
Coadministration of cholera vaccine with Rifaxor 550mg Tablet may reduce the effect of the cholera vaccine.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Rfaximine and Cholera, live attenuated together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. It is recommended to take the cholera vaccine at least 14 days following the last dosage of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet. Do not discontinue any medicine without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

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No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which helps indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
  • Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
  • Avoid foods rich in calcium, such as grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol to treat your condition effectively.
  • Avoid the usage of tobacco.

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

ANTIBIOTICS

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet Substitute

Substitutes safety advice

Product Substitutes

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Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor as it is not known whether alcohol affects the working of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet. However, you are advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unpleasant side-effects.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

It is not recommended to take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet while you are pregnant. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will decide whether Rifaxor 550mg Tablet can be given to pregnant women or not.

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Breast Feeding

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will decide whether Rifaxor 550mg Tablet can be given to breastfeeding mothers or not.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet does not affect your ability to drive. However, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.

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Liver

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have liver disease before taking Rifaxor 550mg Tablet.

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Kidney

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this or if you have kidney disease before taking Rifaxor 550mg Tablet.

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Children

Unsafe

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is not recommended for children as the efficacy and safety have not been established.

Have a query?

FAQs

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is used to treat infectious traveller's diarrhoea caused by E.coli bacteria, hepatic encephalopathy (decreased brain function due to liver disease) and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D).

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is bactericidal in nature and works by killing the harmful bacteria that cause infections in the gut or intestine like E coli bacteria. Thereby, helps in treating/preventing the spread of infections and diarrhoea with abdominal pain.

It is recommended to complete the course of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet even if you feel better as it is an antibiotic, and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic resistance).

Do not take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet only if prescribed by a doctor.

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet may affect blood tests and liver function tests with increased liver enzymes. Inform the person or doctor before performing the tests that you are taking Rifaxor 550mg Tablet.

For treating traveller's diarrhoea, Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is generally prescribed for 3 days. For irritable bowel syndrome, Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is prescribed for 14 days. However, it is better to take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet only as prescribed by your doctor.

No, Rifaxor 550mg Tablet may affect the activity and working of warfarin when taken together. So tell your doctor before using Rifaxor 550mg Tablet that you are taking a blood thinner (warfarin). Your doctor might adjust the dose of warfarin to maintain the proper blood-thinning effect and prevent drug interaction.

Do not take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet for more than 3 days unless prescribed; if there is no symptomatic improvement, consult your doctor.

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet should not be used in patients with diarrhoea complicated by fever or blood in the stool and diarrhoea due to pathogens other than Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Take Rifaxor 550mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Take it at the same time daily as it will help you to remember taking the medication.

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet contains Rifaximin used to treat infectious traveller’s diarrhoea, hepatic encephalopathy (decrease in brain function due to liver disease) and irritable bowel syndrome.

Side effects of Rifaxor 550mg Tablet include headache, peripheral oedema (leg swelling), nausea, dizziness, fatigue, ascites (excess fluid build-up in the abdomen), increased liver enzymes (ALT), and nausea. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet is an antimycobacterial which works by killing the bacteria that cause infection.

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet can be taken with or without food.

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet decreases the symptoms in case of liver disease by killing harmful bacteria in the gut. Thereby it helps lower the possibility of toxins.

Rifaxor 550mg Tablet may not cause weight gain. Maintain proper weight by eating healthy and doing exercise. Consult the doctor if you notice changes in your weight.

Country of origin

India
Other Info - RIFA633

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Author Details

Santoshini Reddy GDoctor badge

Written By

Santoshini Reddy G

M Pharmacy

Dr Aneela SiddabathuniDoctor badge

Reviewed By

Dr Aneela Siddabathuni

MPharma., PhD

Last Updated

Jul 29, 2025 | 8:36 AM IST

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Reference

  1. https://www.xifaxan.com/about-xifaxan-ibsd
  2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021361s023lbl.pdf
  3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604027.html
  4. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/rifaximin.html
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4737517/
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