Efaxim 550 mg (Tablet)
Medicine Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic | Rifaximin |
| Company | Square pharmaceuticals plc |
| Also available as |
Indications
- Treatment of traveler's diarrhea by noninvasive strains of E. coli
- Reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy
- Bacterial overgrowth of irritable bowel syndrome
Pharmacology
Rifaximin is a semisynthetic, rifamycin-based non-systemic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by its action on the beta-subunit of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Dosage & Administration
- Traveler's Diarrhea:
- For patients ≥12 years of age: 200 mg 3 times daily for 3 days
- Hepatic Encephalopathy:
- For patients ≥18 years of age: 550 mg 2 times daily
- Bacterial overgrowth of irritable bowel syndrome:
- 400 mg 3 times daily for 10 days
- 550 mg 3 times daily for 14 days. Can be taken with or without food
Interaction
In vitro study has suggested that Efaxim induces CYP3A4 but at recommended dosing regimen is not expected to induce CYP3A4.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to Rifaximin or to any of the rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any components of this product
Side Effects
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal tenesmus
- Defecation urgency
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Pyrexia
- Vomiting
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioneurotic edema
- Exfoliative dermatitis
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Rifaximin is excreted in human milk.
Precautions & Warnings
- Not found to be effective in patients with diarrhea complicated by fever and/or blood in the stools
- Therapy should be discontinued if diarrhea symptoms get worse or persist for more than 24-48 hours
- Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents
Use in Special Populations
- Renal Impairment: The pharmacokinetics of Efaxim in patients with impaired renal function has not been studied
- Hepatic Impairment: The systemic exposure of Efaxim was markedly elevated in patients with hepatic impairment compared to healthy subjects.
Overdose Effects
No specific information is available on the treatment of overdose with Efaxim. In case of overdose, discontinue Efaxim, treat symptomatically and institute supportive measures as required.
Therapeutic Class
4-Quinolone preparations
Storage Conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.