RIFAXIMIN
| RIFAXIMIN (ri-fax'i-min) Xifaxan Classifications: rifamycin antibiotic; Therapeutic: antibiotic Prototype: Rifampin Pregnancy Category: C |
Availability
200 mg tablets
Action
A rifamycin antibiotic structurally related to rifampin. Inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, thereby blocking RNA transcription.
Therapeutic Effect
Its spectrum of activity includes gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes and anaerobes.
Uses
Treatment of traveler's diarrhea cause by noninvasive strains of E. coli.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to rifaximin, other rifamycin antimicrobial agents or to any of its components; ulcerative intestinal disease; dysentery; children <12 y; pregnancy (category C); lactation.
Cautious Use
Diarrhea with fever and/or blood in the stool, or diarrhea due to organisms other than E. coli; worsening diarrhea or diarrhea persisting for >24–48 h.
Route & Dosage
| Traveler's Diarrhea Adult: PO 200 mg t.i.d. for 3 d |
Administration
Oral- May be given without regard to food.
- Store at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F).
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Body as a Whole: Fever. CNS: Headache. GI: Flatulence, abdominal pain, rectal tenesmus, defecation urgency, nausea, constipation, vomiting.Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: <0.4% absorbed orally. Peak: 1.21 h. Elimination: In feces. Half-Life: 5.85 h.Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Withhold drug and notify physician if symptoms worsen or last >48 h after starting drug; an alternative treatment should be considered.
- Report promptly the appearance of blood in the stool.
Patient & Family Education
- Report promptly any of the following: fever; difficulty breathing; skin rash, itching, or hives; worsening diarrhea during or after treatment or blood in the stool.
Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; 
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug