What is Zaxine (Rifaximin) prescribed for?
Zaxine helps to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy. This can occur in individuals with liver disease. It works by killing the bacteria in your gut that produce ammonia. Zaxine is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea. It reduces the amount of bacteria and bacterial products in your gut. This can help to improve symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhoea.
Zaxine (Rifaximin) Information
How to use Zaxine?
Before you start taking rifaximin, read the information sheet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The amount of medicine you take depends on your medical condition and how well you respond to the treatment.
To treat traveller's diarrhoea, take this medicine by mouth as instructed by your doctor. The usual dose is three times a day for three days. You can take it with or without food.
To treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea, take this medicine by mouth as instructed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food.
To get the best results, take this antibiotic at regular intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) every day.
If you are taking it for traveller's diarrhoea, continue until you finish the full prescribed amount. If your symptoms improve after a few days you should still continue treatment . Stopping the medicine too early may cause the infection to come back.
Inform your doctor if your diarrhoea is bloody, or if you have a fever along with the diarrhoea. Also, let your doctor know if your condition does not improve or gets worse.
Zaxine drug interactions?
The list provided below includes drugs that are recognized to interact with Zaxine. However, it is important to note that this is not an exhaustive compilation of all potential drug interactions.
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Synthroid (levothyroxine)
- Flagyl (metronidazole)
- Creon (pancrelipase)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Colace (docusate)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Humalog (insulin lispro)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- ProAir HFA (albuterol)
- MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350)
- Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
- Zinc (zinc sulphate)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Zofran (ondansetron)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
- Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
- Aldactone (spironolactone)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
Disclose all of your current medications, including prescription medications and OTC products, to your doctor. They will assess the potential interaction and determine whether it is beneficial to use both drugs together.
Common Side effects of Zaxine?
Few known side effects of Zaxine Tabs. Please note that this is not a complete list of all possible side effects of Zaxine.
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Bloating
- Itching
- Feeling as if your bowels are not completely emptied
- Rash
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or torso
- Gas (flatulence)
- Fever
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Feeling you need to urgently empty your bowels
- Tired feeling
- Abdominal or stomach pain
Please inform your doctor about any side effects you experience. If you find these side effects difficult to manage, contact your doctor for medical advice.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction.
Zaxine (Rifaximin) FAQs
Zaxine cost in Canada?
Zaxine 550 mg Tablet cost in Canada.
- 60 tabs - $630.00 USD ($10.50 per tabs)
- 120 tabs - $1249.50 USD ($10.41 per tabs)
- 180 tabs - $1852.20 USD ($10.29 per tabs)
Recommended dosage of Zaxine?
The recommended dosage of Zaxine 550 mg depends on the condition being treated. For the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy, the recommended adult dose is 550 mg taken 2 times a day. For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea, the recommended adult dosage is one tablet taken 3 times a day.
It is important to take Zaxine 550 mg at regular intervals throughout the day. You can take it with or without food.
Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Zaxine?
There are no specific dietary restrictions while taking Zaxine (rifaximin). However, you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as these can increase the amount of rifaximin absorbed into your bloodstream.
This could lead to increased side effects. Other than that, you can eat your usual diet while taking Zaxine. However, if you have any concerns about your diet, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Is Zaxine effective in treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?
Yes, Zaxine (rifaximin) is effective in treating SIBO. It is a minimally absorbed antibiotic that targets the small intestine. This makes it less likely to cause side effects than other antibiotics.
In clinical trials, rifaximin has been shown to be effective in eradicating SIBO in about 70% of patients. Please consult a health care professional who can provide personalised advice based on your medical history and condition.