"Rifaximin": instructions for use, reviews, analogues

Antibiotic agents can be used to treat various diseases. Such drugs are good for urinary infections, respiratory diseases, soft tissues and skin. But before using these drugs, you should always consult a doctor.

Today we will talk about what is a drug such as "Rifaximin." Instructions for the use of the drug as well as its indications and side effects will be described below.

Forms of packaging and packaging

In what form can "Rifaximin" be produced? A group of antibiotics with such an active ingredient can be sold in the form of coated tablets. As a rule, they are contained in contour packs and boxes of cardboard, respectively.

Also, "Rifaximin", the price of which is indicated below, is available in vials of granulate intended for the preparation of a suspension. In addition, you can meet and external means in the form of ointments, which are sold in tubes.

Mechanism of action

What is a substance such as rifaximin? Instruction for use reports that it is an antibiotic belonging to the group of Ansamycins. It is designed to treat a variety of intestinal infections.

This drug is active against such gram-negative bacteria as Salmonella, Klebsiella, Shigella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Yersinia and others, as well as to Gram-positive microorganisms in the form of streptococcus, enterococcus, staphylococcus, peptostreptococcus and clostridia.

The medicament under consideration is capable of suppressing the pathogenic intestinal flora, destroying bacteria in the diverticula (i.e., pouch-shaped formations) of the colon, significantly reducing the inflammatory processes in diverticular disease. It also reduces the amount of toxic compounds formed by bacteria, which prevents the development of liver encephalopathy in its lesions.

Kinetic features of antibiotic substance

Is rifaximin absorbed into the bloodstream? Instructions for use indicate that when ingested this substance is not practically absorbed. In this case, its very high concentrations are created in the lumen of the intestine. If this remedy is used externally, then it is not absorbed through the skin.

Indications for use

At what diseases is used such an antibiotic substance as rifaximin? The testimonials of experienced specialists say that this remedy is very effective for intestinal infections of an acute nature that were caused by bacteria that are sensitive to it.

Thus, medications based on this substance should be taken with:

• Travelers diarrhea;
• Diverticulosis of the colon;
• Chronic colitis;
• Hepatic encephalopathy.

It should also be noted that "Rifaximin" excels in the syndrome of excessive growth of microbes in the intestine.

For the prevention of infectious complications, this drug is prescribed for surgical operations on the rectum and large intestine.

The drug for external application can be used in such infections of the skin as purulent inflammation, contagious impetigo, intertrigo, hydradenitis, furunculosis and others.

Contraindications to antibiotic use

In what cases should not prescribe drugs with an active substance such as rifaximin? Analogues of this drug and the medication itself are contraindicated when:

• Severe ulcerative lesions of the intestine;
• Hypersensitivity to rifamycins;
• Presence of partial or complete intestinal obstruction.

"Rifaximin": instructions for use

Do you know how to use this tool? Preparations with rifaximin in the form of tablets or suspensions are given orally. Such medications should be taken either on an empty stomach or in the process of eating food.

Use antibiotic should be strictly according to the doctor's prescription. If after a lapse of 24 hours after the commencement of admission positive dynamics are not observed, and also adverse reactions occur, treatment should be canceled. In this case, the antibiotic is replaced by a more effective medicine.

The oral dosage for adults and children aged 12 years is as follows: 1 tablet (200 mg) every 8 hours. If necessary, the drug can be used in the amount of two tablets (400 mg) every 12 hours. The course of therapy should last at least seven days. Repeated treatment can be prescribed not earlier than in 30 days. Correction of dosages, as well as the regimen of medication is carried out by a doctor.

For skin diseases, doctors recommend using a rifaximin ointment. It is applied to the problem site, but do not rub it. As a rule, a drug column of 3-10 centimeters long is used for treatment. It is applied to the lesion area three times a day. The course of therapy lasts from 7 to 15 days.

Use in children

In pediatric practice, "Rifaximin" is used to treat intestinal infections. Babies up to 2 years of age are prescribed medication only for vital indications. During the antibiotic, the child should be constantly monitored by the pediatrician.

For children from 2 years and until the age of 12, drugs based on rifaximin are prescribed in a dose of 20-30 mg per kg per day.

Thus, a single dose of the drug for a child 2-6 years is 100-200 mg, and for children 6-12 years - 100-300 mg.

Side effects

Usually, the reception of "Rifaximin" is tolerated fairly well by patients. Of the side effects, the following are possible:

• hives;
• Dyspeptic reactions (nausea and vomiting);
• The urge to defecate;
• constipation;
• Intestinal colic;
• diarrhea;
• headache;
• dizziness;
• fever.

Occasionally, there may be:

• skin rash;
• Pain in the muscles;
• Swelling of the face;
• candidiasis;
• dyspnea;
• Peripheral edema;
• Bifurcation in the eyes;
• Loss of taste;
• Palpitation;
• An admixture of blood in the stool and stuff.

When using the drug in high dosages, as well as with its long reception or the presence of ulcers on the intestinal mucosa, patients may have urine staining in a bright or pale reddish color.

Drug Interactions

Is it acceptable with other medications to use an antibiotic substance such as rifaximin? According to the instructions, with the simultaneous administration of this drug and cyclosporins, the degree of its systemic exposure may increase.

Cost and analogy

Which drug contains an active ingredient such as rifaximin? "Alpha Normix" is a medicament of Italian manufacture. The trade names of rifaximin in other countries sound like Zaxine, Xifaxan, Rifacol, Spiraxin, Colidur, Normix.

How much is an antibiotic with such a substance as rifaximin? Its price is about 500-600 rubles.

Comments of consumers about the drug

Most patients tolerate the drug with rifaximin quite well. However, some of them note a feeling of heaviness and rumbling in the abdomen, as well as flatulence, especially in the first days of admission. Also, some people can observe the admixture of blood in the stool.

Despite all these shortcomings, almost all patients confirm the high effectiveness of the antibiotic in the treatment of intestinal infections. Although some of them argue that they could achieve the best result only with an increase in the daily dosage of the drug to 1800 mg.