Drug Name:Rifaximin
Drug Class:Antibiotic
Mechanism of Action:Inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to the beta-subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase
Use:
  • Treatment of traveler's diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of E. coli
  • Reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence in adults
  • Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)
Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Flatulence
Contraindications:
  • Hypersensitivity to rifaximin or any component of the formulation
  • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C)
Specialty:
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Disease