Xifaxan
Utilized to support the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy and intended to target bacterial overgrowth within the gastrointestinal tract.
- Category
- Antibiotics
- Active ingredient
- Rifaximin
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Film-coated tablet
- Strengths
- 200 · 400 · 550mg
Xifaxan details
- Conditions
- Hepatic Encephalopathy · Traveller's Diarrhoea
- Alternative names
- Tixi-X; Normix
- Therapeutic class
- Rifamycin Antibiotic
- Pharmacological class
- Rifamycin Antibiotic
- Known off-label uses
- small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to rifaximin; intestinal obstruction
- Minor side effects
- dizziness; headache; nausea; abdominal pain
- Moderate side effects
- flatulence; defaecation urgency; elevated liver enzymes
- Dosage forms
- Film-coated tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Norgine
- Onset Time
- 1–3 days
- Duration
- 14 days
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C in original packaging.
- Drug interactions
- ciclosporin
- Age restrictions
- Not recommended for children under 12 years.
Precautions and warnings
monitor for liver function; use caution in severe hepatic impairment; discontinue if symptoms of colitis arise
Serious side effects
clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
utilized to support the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy and intended to target bacterial overgrowth within the gastrointestinal tract.
Mechanism of action
Rifaximin is a non-systemic rifamycin antibiotic that binds to the beta-subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, inhibiting RNA synthesis. It exhibits broad-spectrum activity against gastrointestinal pathogens and modulates intestinal microbiota to reduce ammonia production.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Not recommended unless necessary due to lack of clinical data. Breastfeeding: Advise caution as systemic absorption is low but potential for excretion exists.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Xifaxan
Xifaxan contains rifaximin, which is indicated for the management of hepatic encephalopathy and traveller’s diarrhoea. The same active ingredient is also sold under brand names such as Tixi-x and Normix. It is supplied as a tablet in strengths of 200mg, 400mg, and 550mg.
Xifaxan availability in Asia
Xifaxan is registered across 14 markets including South Korea, Japan and the UAE, with availability also in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand. Generic rifaximin, much of it made in India, is significantly more affordable than the original brand for expats and travellers far from a well stocked facility. This medication is best used under the direct care of a doctor who can monitor clinical progress.