Rifaximin for liver problems

About rifaximin

Rifaximin is an antibiotic which works within the gastrointestinal system. It is given to help prevent episodes of a problem called hepatic encephalitis in people with liver disease. Hepatic encephalitis can cause a range of symptoms. These include confusion, personality changes, and changes in alertness.

Another brand of rifaximin tablets, called Xifaxanta®, is used to treat traveller's diarrhoea. If you have been prescribed it for this reason, please see the separate leaflet called Rifaximin for traveller's diarrhoea.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking rifaximin it is important that your doctor knows:

• Se sei incinta, stai cercando di avere un bambino o stai allattando.

• If you are very constipated or think you may have a blocked bowel.

• Se hai mai avuto una reazione allergica a un medicinale.

• Se stai assumendo altri medicinali. Questo include qualsiasi medicinale che stai assumendo e che è disponibile per l'acquisto senza prescrizione medica, così come i medicinali a base di erbe e complementari.

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about rifaximin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take rifaximin exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose is one 550 mg tablet twice daily.

• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. It is not important whether you take your dose before or after food. The tablets may make your urine look a pink colour - this is harmless.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If when you remember, it is nearly time for your next dose then leave out the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

• Remember to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Continue to take rifaximin unless your doctor tells you to stop. Otherwise your symptoms may return.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with rifaximin when taken for liver problems. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Se si verificano altri sintomi che ritieni possano essere dovuti alle compresse, parla con il tuo medico o farmacista per ulteriori consigli.

• Tenere tutti i medicinali fuori dalla portata e dalla vista dei bambini.

• Conservare in un luogo fresco e asciutto, lontano da fonti di calore e luce diretta.