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compositionComposition:RIFAXIMIN-400MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
info
Rifguard 400 Tablet 15's
Rifguard 400 Tablet 15's
Rifguard 400 Tablet 15's

Rifguard 400 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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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

RIFAXIMIN-400MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Hetero Healthcare Pvt Ltd

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Rifguard 400 Tablet

The medicine Rifguard 400 Tablet is a gut-specific antibiotic designed to treat traveller's diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D) in adults. It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of brain function decline, known as hepatic encephalopathy, in people living with liver failure. By targeting harmful bacteria directly in the digestive tract, it helps restore comfort and digestive balance.

To achieve the best results, you must take Rifguard 400 Tablet consistently at evenly spaced intervals for the entire duration prescribed by your doctor. You can take this tablet with or without food, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Pairing this treatment with a high-fibre diet, adequate hydration, and stress-management techniques can significantly improve your overall digestive recovery.

While this medicine is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, headaches, or dizziness. However, if you develop severe, watery diarrhoea, persistent stomach pain, or a high fever, you should contact your doctor right away. These symptoms can be signs of a more serious gut infection that requires immediate medical attention.

Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have severe liver damage or if your diarrhoea is accompanied by blood or a high fever. Do not take this if you have a known allergy to this medication or other similar antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will help determine if this treatment is safe for your specific health profile.

It is important to discuss all other medications you are taking with your healthcare provider, as some drugs can alter how much of this medicine is absorbed into your body. Additionally, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual to ensure the safest treatment approach.

Uses of Rifguard 400 Tablet

Rifguard 400 Tablet is used signed to treat traveller's diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea. The detailed uses of Rifguard 400 Tablet are as follows:

  • Traveller's Diarrhoea: It targets and stops the growth of bacteria in the digestive tract that cause loose stools.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhoea (IBS-D): It helps reduce symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and frequent watery stools by balancing gut bacteria.
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy: It lowers the recurrence of brain function issues in adults with liver failure by reducing the buildup of toxins (like ammonia) produced by gut bacteria.

Key Benefits

Rifguard 400 Tablet provides targeted support for intestinal conditions by acting directly within the digestive tract while minimising effects on the rest of the body. By helping control harmful bacteria and supporting digestive and liver-related health, this medicine offers several key benefits:

  • Acts Locally with Minimal Systemic Absorption: Rifguard 400 Tablet works primarily within the digestive tract, with very little of the medicine entering the bloodstream. This targeted action helps treat the affected area while reducing the likelihood of body-wide side effects associated with some other antibiotics.
  • Helps Relieve Digestive Discomfort: By reducing harmful bacterial activity in the intestines, this medicine can help ease symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort. Relief from these symptoms can improve daily comfort and support a return to normal activities.
  • Supports Mental Clarity in Liver-Related Conditions: For people with certain advanced liver conditions, Rifguard 400 Tablet helps reduce the build-up of toxins that can affect brain function. This may help improve mental alertness, concentration, and day-to-day functioning while reducing episodes of confusion and forgetfulness.
Side effects of Rifguard 400 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.

Directions for Use

  • Take the tablet by mouth, with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
  • Take this medicine at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a consistent level in your gut.
  • Complete the entire course prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms clear up after a few days. Stopping too early may allow the infection or symptoms to return.
  • Always follow your doctor's exact instructions regarding how often and how long to take this medication.
     

How Rifguard 400 Tablet Works

This medicine works as a gut-selective antibiotic. Unlike standard antibiotics that travel throughout your entire body, this medication passes through your stomach and works almost entirely inside your intestines. Once inside the gut, it stops bacterial growth by blocking the bacteria's ability to make essential proteins. In patients with liver disease, it targets ammonia-producing bacteria in the bowel. By keeping bacterial numbers low, it reduces the amount of toxins entering the blood and travelling to the brain, which keeps your mind clearer.
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Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor as it is not known whether alcohol affects the working of Rifguard 400 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 Rifguard 400 Tablet while you are pregnant. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this, your doctor will decide whether Rifguard 400 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 Rifguard 400 Tablet can be given to breastfeeding mothers or not.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

Rifguard 400 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 Rifguard 400 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 Rifguard 400 Tablet .

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Children

Unsafe

Rifguard 400 Tablet is not recommended for children as the efficacy and safety have not been established.

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Heart

Caution

Exercise caution while taking Rifguard 400 Tablet , if you have any heart problems. Please consult your physician.

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Geriatrics

Safe if prescribed

Rifguard 400 Tablet is safe for use in elderly patients if recommended by the doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Rifguard 400 Tablet

Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Rifguard 400 Tablet as it may cause overdose. If you suspect you have taken overdose, please consult a doctor immediately.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost from diarrhoea.
  • Follow a Low-FODMAP Diet: If you are taking this for IBS-D, limiting foods high in fermentable carbohydrates (like beans, onions, garlic, and certain dairy products) can help reduce bloating and gas.
  • Avoid Gut Irritants: Steer clear of caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and high-fat meals, which can worsen diarrhoea and stomach upset.
  • Manage Protein Intake: If you are taking this for liver-related brain issues, work with a dietitian to ensure you are consuming the right amount of high-quality protein without overloading your liver.
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before meals to prevent reinfection with gut bacteria.
     

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Rifguard 400 Tablet to start to work: The time required for Rifguard 400 Tablet to show its action is unknown. The time for which the effects of Rifguard 400 Tablet last: The duration of action for Rifguard 400 Tablet is unknown.

What if you forget to take Rifguard 400 Tablet

If you miss a dose of Rifguard 400 Tablet , take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Storage

• Store the tablets at room temperature, safely between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). •Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed, to protect it from moisture and direct light.

Drug Warnings

  • Check the tablet blister pack or bottle before use; do not take the medication if the packaging is damaged or if the tablets look discoloured.
  • Finish the full course of therapy even if you feel completely better within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Watch out for signs of severe gut infection, which can occur up to several months after stopping antibiotic treatment; contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe watery diarrhoea or abdominal pain.
  • Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms, as it is specific to your diagnosed condition.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen after completing the prescribed duration, consult your healthcare provider.

Drug-Drug Interactions

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Drug-Drug Interactions

  • P-gp Inhibitors (such as cyclosporine): May increase the absorption of Rifguard 400 Tablet into your bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.

  • Oral Blood Thinners (such as warfarin): May alter your blood-clotting times. Your doctor may need to monitor your blood tests more closely.

Drug-Disease Interactions

  • Severe Liver Damage: If you have severe liver failure, more of this drug may enter your bloodstream, requiring closer monitoring by your doctor.
  • Invasive Bacterial Infections (such as Salmonella or Shigella infections): This medicine is not effective for infections that cause high fevers or bloody stools. Using it for these conditions may delay proper treatment.
RifaximinCholera, live attenuated
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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RifaximinCholera, live attenuated
Severe
How does the drug interact with Rifguard 400 Tablet:
Coadministration of cholera vaccine with Rifguard 400 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 Rifguard 400 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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FAQs

Rifguard 400 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).
Rifguard 400 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.
No. Do not stop taking Rifguard 400 Tablet before completing the full prescribed course, even if your symptoms improve or your diarrhoea stops. Stopping treatment early may allow the infection or symptoms to return and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Consult your doctor before stopping treatment.
Do not take Rifguard 400 Tablet on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic-resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Take Rifguard 400 Tablet only if prescribed by a doctor.
Rifguard 400 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 Rifguard 400 Tablet .
For treating traveller's diarrhoea, Rifguard 400 Tablet is generally prescribed for 3 days. For irritable bowel syndrome, Rifguard 400 Tablet is prescribed for 14 days. However, it is better to take Rifguard 400 Tablet only as prescribed by your doctor.
No, Rifguard 400 Tablet may affect the activity and working of warfarin when taken together. So tell your doctor before using Rifguard 400 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.
No. Rifguard 400 Tablet is effective only against certain bacterial causes of diarrhoea, including traveller's diarrhoea caused by non-invasive E. coli. It is not effective for viral diarrhoea or diarrhoea associated with fever, bloody stools, or invasive bacterial infections. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Take Rifguard 400 Tablet exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Take it at the same time daily as it will help you to remember taking the medication.
Rifguard 400 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 Rifguard 400 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.
Rifguard 400 Tablet is an antimycobacterial which works by killing the bacteria that cause infection.
Rifguard 400 Tablet can be taken with or without food.
Rifguard 400 Tablet decreases the symptoms in case of liver disease by killing harmful bacteria in the gut. Thereby it helps lower the possibility of toxins.
Weight gain is not a known side effect of Rifguard 400 Tablet . If you notice rapid weight gain or swelling of your hands, legs, or abdomen, particularly if you have liver disease, contact your doctor as this may be related to your underlying condition rather than the medication.
Yes, this medicine is commonly prescribed to patients with liver disease to prevent brain complications. However, because liver function affects how your body processes medicines, your doctor must monitor your health closely during treatment. Talk to your doctor about your liver health before starting.
Since this antibiotic acts locally in your digestive tract and is barely absorbed into the rest of your body, it is much less likely to cause a yeast infection compared to standard antibiotics. However, if you develop unusual vaginal itching or discharge, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
While this medicine has low absorption, some drugs can interact with it and change its levels in your body. Always provide your doctor with a complete list of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medications.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol can irritate your stomach, worsen diarrhoea, and put extra stress on your liver, which can be dangerous if you have a pre-existing liver condition. Talk to your doctor for more safety advice.
This medicine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the developing baby. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor to explore the safest options for you.

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While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Reference

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 021361S023Lbl [FDA Prescribing Information]. Silver Spring, MD: FDA; 2024. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026] Check here
  2. MedlinePlus. A604027 Patient Information Monograph. Bethesda, MD: U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM); 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026] Check here
  3. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Rifaximin Clinical Drug Monograph. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026] Check here
  4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Pmc4737517 Scientific Research Publication. Bethesda, MD: NLM; 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026] Check here
  5. CiplaMed CiplaMed. [Accessed on 05 Aug. 2023] Check here
  6. Rifaximin Rifaximin. 2025. [Accessed on 16 Feb. 2026] Check here
  7. Lactmed.rifaximin. [[Accessed on 25.Jun].2019] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Rifaximin. [Updated 2025 Oct 27]Check here

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

2Nd Floor, 8-3-166/7/1 Erragadda, Hyderabad-500018
Other Info - RIF0158

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