Rifaximin
Also known as: Rifaximinum
Rifaximin is nonsystemic antibiotic derived from rifamycin SV. Rifaximin is a structural analog of rifampin. The empirical formula is C43H51N3O11. This non-systemic property of the drug is due to the addition of a pyridoimidazole ring, which renders it non-absorbable. Rifaximin acts by inhibiting bacterial ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis by binding to the beta-subunit of bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-dependent ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase enzyme and also contributes to restore intestinal microflora imbalance. Other studies have also shown rifaximin to be an pregnane X receptor (PXR) activator. As PXR is responsible for inhibiting the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-kappa B and is inhibited in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rifaximin may prove to be effective for the treatment of IBD.
Primary Characteristics
Rifaximin is also known as Rifaximinum.
It is of Semi Synthetic origin.
It is also classified under Antibiotics .
Molecular Weight: 785.88 · pKa: 7.67 · Solubility in Water: 7.38e-03 g/l · Non-proprietary name: Rifaximin.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Rifaximin has a plasma protein binding is 67.5%.
Elimination: plasma half-life is 6 Hours, renal excretion is 0.32% and 96.62% in feces.
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Indications
Rifaximin is primarily indicated in conditions like Diarrhoea caused by e-coli, Travelers diarrhoea.
Rifaximin is also indicated for secondary conditions like Hepatic encephalopathy.
Contraindications
Rifaximin is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Dosage
Rifaximin's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 200 mg | 200 mg | Every 8h | oral | It can be taken with or without food. |
| 550 mg | 550 mg | Every 12h | oral | This is indicated for reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence in patients 18 years of age. |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
None recorded.
Side Effects
Rifaximin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hypersensitivity reactions, Shortness of breath, Blood in stools. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
Rifaximin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Constipation , Dizziness, Edema, Fatigue, Fever, Flatulence, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting .
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.17.7.2 — Antidiarrheals