Rifaximin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause diarrhea. It treats hepatic encephalopathy by stopping the growth of bacteria that produce toxins and that may worsen liver disease.

Gastrointestinal-selective Antibiotic

This medicine is used to treat:

• Traveler's diarrhea
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

Follow these dosage instructions:

• Adult Dosage

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea

• Child Dosage

Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

Seek medical help if you think you have taken too much of this medicine.

If you miss a dose, make sure to take it as soon as possible the same day. If you don't remember missing the dose, don't double it. Consult your doctor on how to adjust the missing doses.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day for 14 days.

Due to the excellent safety profile of rifaximin, there are very few contraindications. Patients with hypersensitivity to the rifaximin, rifamycins, or excipients should avoid this medication.

Common side effects include:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Headache
• Muscle spasm
• Discoloration of urine