Compare Xifaxan vs. Rifampin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Xifaxan (rifaximin) and Rifadin (rifampin) are both rifamycin antibiotics, but they are used to treat different conditions. Xifaxan is taken orally and is used to treat travelers' diarrhea caused by *E. coli*, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), and to prevent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults. On the other hand, Rifadin is used to treat active and latent tuberculosis (TB) and to prevent the spread of meningococcal infections in carriers. Rifadin is available as an oral tablet or intravenous (IV) injection and is often used in combination with other TB medications. Xifaxan is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day, while Rifadin is usually taken once or twice daily. Rifadin can cause a temporary change in the color of your body fluids and teeth, which is not a side effect of Xifaxan. Additionally, Rifadin has a generic form available, making it a lower-cost option. Both medications require careful adherence to dosing schedules to avoid resistance and ensure effectiveness.
- Xifaxan (rifaximin)Rifampin (Rifadin)
- Xifaxan (rifaximin)Rifampin (Rifadin)
Summary of Xifaxan vs. Rifampin
Summary for Rifamycin antibioticPrescription onlyXifaxan (rifaximin) is a rifamycin antibiotic that's used to treat people 12 years and older with travelers' diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). The medication can also treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and prevent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults. Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a tablet that's taken by mouth 2 to 3 times per day, depending on the medical condition you're using it for. Side effects generally include swelling, dizziness, and fatigue.
Summary for Rifamycin antibioticPrescription onlyRifampin (Rifadin) is an antibiotic used to treat active and latent tuberculosis (TB). It also helps prevent the spread of meningococcal infections by people who carriers of the bacteria, but aren't showing symptoms. Rifampin (Rifadin) is taken by mouth once or twice daily, depending on your medical conditions. If you're taking it for TB, your provider might prescribe other medications as well, like isoniazid. One side effect of rifampin (Rifadin) is that it can temporarily change the color of your teeth, body fluids, and even urine as a side effect.
Indications of Xifaxan vs. Rifampin
Indications for•Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults•Prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adultsIndications for•Tuberculosis (TB)•Meningococcal carriers (when there's bacteria living in the nose and/or throat, but not causing infection)Pros and Cons of Xifaxan vs. Rifampin
Pros and Const for Rifamycin antibioticPros•Works well for travelers' diarrhea, HE, and IBS-D•Can treat travelers' diarrhea in children 12 years and older•Can take with or without foodCons•Need to take 2 to 3 times per day, depending on why you're taking it•Only available as tablets•Might not be the best option for people with severe liver problemsPros and Const for Rifamycin antibioticPros•One of the first-choice antibiotics for treating TB•Taken once daily for TB treatment•For people who carry the meningococcal bacteria, taking rifampin (Rifadin) for just 2 days helps prevent the spread of infection•Can be made into an oral suspension if you or your child has a hard time swallowing capsules•Available in an injectable form if you're in the hospital and can't take medications by mouth•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Must be used in combination with other anti-TB antibiotics when treating active TB•Can change the color of your teeth and body fluids and stain your contact lenses•Skipping doses can quickly cause drug resistance, making it much harder to treat the infection.•Can cause liver injury, so it's recommended to avoid alcohol•Interacts with many medications, and can lower the medication levels in the body•Not recommended for the treatment of serious meningococcal infectionsCommon Side Effects of Xifaxan vs. Rifampin
Common Side Effects forTravelers' diarrhea:
•Headache (10%)IBS-D:
•Nausea (2-3%)HE:
•Swelling in hands and feet (15%)•Nausea (14%)•Dizziness (13%)•Tiredness (12%)•Extra stomach fluid and swelling (11%)Common Side Effects for•Temporary change in color (orange/yellow) of body fluids and teethWarnings of Xifaxan vs. Rifampin
Common Side Effects for•Worsening of travelers' diarrhea•Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infectionCommon Side Effects for•Liver injury•Not for treating meningococcal infection•Allergic reactions•Higher risk for bleeding•Caution in diabetes•More side effects if not taken once a day•Effects on hormones and vitamin D levelsPrices with our coupons for Xifaxan vs. Rifampin
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