Frequently asked questions
- What is Xifaxan 550 mg?
- What is the indication for Xifaxan 550 mg?
- What is the contraindication for Xifaxan 550 mg?
- What is the dosing schedule for Xifaxan 550 mg?
- What are the possible adverse reactions of Xifaxan 550 mg?
- Can I prescribe Xifaxan 550 mg to women who are pregnant?
- Can I prescribe Xifaxan 550 mg to children?
- Who should not take Xifaxan 550 mg?
What is Xifaxan 550 mg?
Xifaxan 550 mg is a nonsystemic antibiotic (only works in the gut) indicated to reduce the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence in patients ≥18 years of age.
Learn more about how Xifaxan 550 mg works.
Back to topWhat is the indication for Xifaxan 550 mg?
Xifaxan 550 mg is indicated for reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence in patients ≥18 years of age.
Learn more about the treatment of HE.
Back to topWhat is the contraindication for Xifaxan 550 mg?
Xifaxan is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to rifaximin, any of the rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any of the components in Xifaxan.
See Important Safety Information for this product.
Back to topWhat is the dosing schedule for Xifaxan 550 mg?
The recommended dose of Xifaxan 550 mg for hepatic encephalopathy is one 550 mg tablet taken twice daily with or without food. Based on the results of clinical drug-drug interaction studies and in vitro induction and inhibition studies, no clinically relevant drug interactions are anticipated with Xifaxan 550 mg.
Learn more about twice-daily dosing
Back to topWhat are the possible adverse reactions of Xifaxan 550 mg?
In clinical trials, Xifaxan 550 mg was generally well tolerated. The most common adverse reactions occurring in >8% of patients in the clinical study were edema peripheral (15%), nausea (14%), dizziness (13%), fatigue (12%), ascites (11%), muscle spasms (9%), pruritus (9%), and abdominal pain (9%).
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including Xifaxan, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon which may lead to overgrowth of C. difficile. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.
View this product's tolerability profile
Back to topCan I prescribe Xifaxan 550 mg to women who are pregnant?
Xifaxan has not been studied in women who are pregnant or nursing.
See Important Safety Information for this product.
Back to topCan I prescribe Xifaxan 550 mg to children?
Xifaxan 550 mg for hepatic encephalopathy is not approved for use in children under 18 years of age.
See Important Safety Information for this product.
Back to topWho should not take Xifaxan 550 mg?
Xifaxan is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to rifaximin, any of the rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any of the components in Xifaxan. Hypersensitivity reactions have included exfoliative dermatitis, angioneurotic edema, and anaphylaxis.
Xifaxan 550 mg has not been shown to cause interactions with other drugs. However, it is always important that you ask your patients about any other medications they may be taking before starting treatment with Xifaxan 550 mg.
