Generic Xifaxan 550 mg Tablet
Xifaxan, also known by its generic name rifaximin, is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the colon. It acts by inhibiting the development of the germs that cause these diseases. The medication is commonly recommended to treat travelers' diarrhea caused by E. coli and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Xifaxan is available as a tablet, with the most frequent dosage being 550 mg.
What is Xifaxan and Rifaximin?
Rifaximin, a kind of antibiotic, is marketed under the trade name Xifaxan. Rifaximin is an oral medication that is absorbed by the stomach and acts by destroying bacteria. It is used to treat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), travelers' diarrhea caused by E. coli, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
Rifaximin Side Effects
Xifaxan (rifaximin), like any medication, may have negative effects. Some of the most prevalent adverse effects are as follows:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Allergic responses, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or neck, are rare adverse effects. If you have any of these negative effects, you should stop using the medication immediately and seek medical treatment.
Antibiotic Rifaximin: Mechanism of Action
Rifaximin is an antibiotic that belongs to the rifamycin class of antibiotics. Its mechanism of action involves binding to the beta subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase, which results in the inhibition of bacterial RNA synthesis. This leads to the disruption of bacterial protein synthesis and ultimately results in the death of the bacteria.
However, unlike other antibiotics that are absorbed systemically, rifaximin is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, which means that it mainly targets bacteria in the gut. This is why rifaximin is commonly used to treat bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract, such as traveler's diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and hepatic encephalopathy.
It is important to note that rifaximin only targets bacteria and does not affect viruses or fungi. Additionally, it has a narrow spectrum of activity, which means that it only targets certain types of bacteria and does not affect the normal gut flora. This makes it a useful antibiotic for treating gut infections without causing unnecessary damage to the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
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