Xifaxan is an antibiotic medication that has a generic version called rifaximin. The benefits of Xifaxan include its ability to treat travelers’ diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Rifaximin is also approved to treat hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a condition involving brain function decline from toxic buildup caused by liver failure. Xifaxan is one of the most effective antibiotics on the market. It is approved for use by adults and children 12 or older. 

Benefits of Generic Xifaxan

MyDrugCenter carries generic rifaximin to help you save on your prescription. Generic rifaximin and brand-name Xifaxan use the same active ingredient, so they provide the same antibacterial benefits. Going the generic route is a great option for saving on your medication without sacrificing effectiveness and safety. Generic Xifaxan is popular because it works differently than other antibiotic drugs available. Instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream, Xifaxan stays in your intestinal tract after dosing to fight the bacterial overgrowth in your gut. Removing harmful bacteria from the intestines lowers the amount of toxic substances in your body, leading to relief from diarrhea and HE symptoms. 

Xifaxan Drug Class

Xifaxan belongs to a class of drugs known as rifamycin antibiotics. Drugs in this class work by stopping the growth of bacteria, causing the harmful bacteria to die. Xifaxan may also be referred to as an antidiarrheal medication due to its beneficial effect on alleviating diarrhea. Because Xifaxan is a nonabsorbable antibiotic, drug interactions with Xifaxan are rare. [1] Xifaxan comes in tablet form for oral administration.

Xifaxan is available in three dosage strengths, but the strongest dose is the most commonly prescribed. While it is not often used for traveler’s diarrhea, Xifaxan 550mg is used to treat HE and IBS-D. For hepatic encephalopathy, Xifaxan 550mg can be taken twice a day. For IBS-D, this dose is typically taken three times daily for two weeks. Xifaxan 550mg can be prescribed up to two more times after the initial treatment if symptoms of IBS-D reoccur. If this dosage strength causes excessive side effects, ask your physician about lowering your dose. 

Xifaxan Dosage

The other available dosage strengths include 200mg and 400mg. Xifaxan 200mg is generally used to treat traveler’s diarrhea in children at least 12 years old. This dosage strength is typically taken three times a day for three days. Ultimately, it is up to your doctor to determine the right dosage strength for you. Following your prescription accurately is the best way to ensure rifaximin works effectively. Avoid taking more than you are prescribed to prevent dangerous complications like antibiotic resistance. 

If you miss a dose of Xifaxan, do not worry. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. If it is not close to the time for the next dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you overdose accidentally, call your doctor or a poison helpline immediately.

While controlled trials show that rifaximin is generally well-tolerated, Xifaxan commonly causes swelling in the hands and feet, nausea, and tiredness. Other common side effects of rifaximin include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Abnormal liver function
• Diarrhea

Some side effects of rifaximin are due to your body adjusting to this antibiotic. If the side effects you experience are mild, they will likely go away without treatment. However, you should call your doctor right away if you experience severe side effects. These may include:

• Serious stomach pain
• Watery diarrhea
• Bloody diarrhea
• Fever
• Fluid buildup
• Rapid weight gain
• Bloating

Cautions

Before taking Xifaxan, it is important to tell your doctor about your medical history to ensure this antibiotic works well for you. If you take any medication that interacts with rifaximin, adverse outcomes may occur. Do not take Xifaxan if you have a known allergy to ingredients such as rifabutin, rifampin, or rifapentine.

Patients with advanced liver disease may be prescribed Xifaxan since it is a nonabsorbable antibiotic. Xifaxan is minimally absorbed orally, and it has not been found to cause liver injury in clinical settings. [2] If you experience fever-accompanied diarrhea or watery or bloody diarrhea, tell your doctor. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Xifaxan can be an expensive medication. An active patent, high demand, and a lack of generic competition in the United States make Xifaxan relatively costly and inaccessible. Luckily, a Canadian pharmacy like My Drug Center can help you save on your prescription cost with a generic version from Canada. As mentioned above, the generic version of a drug is typically more affordable than its brand-name counterpart. This does not mean that the generic version will be less effective. The approval process of a generic drug requires proof that it is identical to the brand-name version.

Canadian Xifaxan

You may be wondering how Canadian Xifaxan helps you save. Essentially, the patent on Xifaxan is only restricting generic versions in the United States. Countries outside the U.S. have approved generic versions that are considerably cheaper than the brand-name Xifaxan you find at your local pharmacy. By buying Canadian Xifaxan from My Drug Center, you join thousands of Americans who save on their prescriptions by going the generic route. Generic rifaximin offers the same therapeutic benefits at a much lower cost, so you can focus on relieving your symptoms and not worry about how much it is setting you back.

What is Xifaxan?

Xifaxan is prescription medication available in tablet form to treat travelers’ diarrhea, IBS-D, and hepatic encephalopathy. It contains rifaximin, an antibiotic drug which gives Xifaxan its therapeutic effect. 

What is Xifaxan used for?

Xifaxan is prescribed to help treat diarrhea caused by irritable bowel syndrome or travelers’ diarrhea caused by the E. Coli bacteria. Additionally Xifaxan is used for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

What does Xifaxan do?

Xifaxan prevents bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, alleviating symptoms of toxic buildup and diarrhea. By restoring the balance of bacteria in the gut, Xifaxan effectively relieves symptoms of travelers’ diarrhea, IBS-D, and HE.

How does Xifaxan work for hepatic encephalopathy?

Hepatic encephalopathy occurs when the liver is unable to expel the body’s toxic waste. This toxic waste is often the outcome of excessive bacterial growth in the gut. By killing the bacteria responsible for the toxins, Xifaxan prevents symptoms of HE.

Where can I buy Xifaxan?

You can buy generic Xifaxan from My Drug Center today. We source Xifaxan from reputable pharmacies internationally to help you save on your prescription. Generic Xifaxan is much more affordable than its brand-name version. Choose from three different dosage strengths to fit your needs.

Why is Xifaxan so expensive?

Xifaxan is expensive because a generic version is not available in the U.S. Fortunately, generic Xifaxan is available to you today through a Canadian pharmacy like My Drug Center. Getting your prescription for rifaximin from across the border can help you save significantly. Choosing the generic version of Xifaxan can help you save even more.

How long does Xifaxan stay in your system?

Xifaxan has a half life of 6 hours, which mean it will stay in your system for about 30 hours after taking your last dose.

How long does it take for Xifaxan to work?

The exact amount of time it will take for Xifaxan to work will depend on a number of factors, such as your condition, the severity of your condition, and your age. If your symptoms do not improve within 24-48 hours after starting treatment, contact your doctor.

How do I take Xifaxan?

For traveler’s diarrhea, the usual instructions are to take one 200mg tablet orally 3 times a day for 3 days. A recent study found that 550 mg of rifaximin taken three times a day for two weeks resulted in more than 40 percent improvements in IBS symptoms. If you are unsure how to take Xifaxan, refer to your doctor’s instructions or talk to your doctor today.

How often can I take Xifaxan?

Your doctor will determine how long you should take Xifaxan. Do not take Xifaxan for a longer period than you are prescribed. Doing so increases your risk of antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections difficult to treat. Generally, Xifaxan should not be used for more than 3-14 days.