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Xifaxan Coupon - Xifaxan 550mg tablet

Xifaxan

rifaximin
Used for Diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hepatic Encephalopathy
Used for Diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hepatic Encephalopathy

Xifaxan (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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 12, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Xifaxan (rifaximin)?

What is Xifaxan (rifaximin) used for?

How Xifaxan (rifaximin) works

Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a rifamycin antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from making important proteins that the bacteria need to survive. As a result, the bacteria can't grow or spread.

Are you looking for information on rifampin (Rifadin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsXifaxan
Drug ClassRifamycin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Xifaxan (rifaximin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Travelers' 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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Muscle spasms
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Sore throat and runny nose
  • Trouble breathing
  • Itching
  • Fever
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • C. difficile-related diarrhea: rapid heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day)
  • Severe allergic reaction: rash; trouble breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Source: DailyMed

More on Xifaxan (rifaximin) side effects

Medication Education: side effects xifaxan

8 Xifaxan Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Sheila McAdoo, PharmD

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

dizziness or lightheadedness

muscle spasm

rapid breathing

shortness of breath

trouble sleeping

Less common

Blood in the urine

bloody nose

chest pain

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

fainting

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

increased heart rate

sensation of spinning

sunken eyes

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Cracks in the skin

hives or welts, itching skin, or rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of heat from the body

red, swollen skin

redness of the skin

scaly skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bloated

difficulty with moving

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

fever

frequent urge to defecate

full feeling

headache

lower back or side pain

muscle pain or stiffness

pain in the joints

passing gas

stomach pain

straining while passing stool

swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs

Less common

Abnormal dreams

blurred vision

chills

confusion

cough

decreased urination

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry lips

dry mouth

ear pain

feeling of warmth

hearing loss

lightheadedness

loss of appetite

loss of taste

nausea

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

sore throat

sweating

swollen glands

thirst

vomiting

wrinkled skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Xifaxan (rifaximin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well for travelers' diarrhea, HE, and IBS-D

Can treat travelers' diarrhea in children 12 years and older

Can take with or without food

thumbs-down

Cons

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 problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Xifaxan (rifaximin)

pharmacist

  • Take Xifaxan (rifaximin) exactly as prescribed. Make sure to finish your treatment course, even if you're feeling better. Stopping the medication earlier than prescribed can make your infection come back and become harder to treat.

    • For traveler's diarrhea: Stop Xifaxan (rifaximin) and get medical help if you have diarrhea for more than 1 to 2 days or if your diarrhea gets worse. Also call urgent care if you develop a fever or if you have bloody diarrhea. These could be signs that you need different medications to appropriately treat your diarrhea or that you need more medical attention.

      • Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take and are planning to take. Xifaxan (rifaximin) can interact with cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), warfarin (Coumadin), and other medications. These interactions can affect medication levels in the body, which can either raise your risk for side effects or make your medications work less well. Your care team can check whether you need any changes to your medications to keep you safe.

        • If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant before you start Xifaxan (rifaximin) or during treatment, speak with a healthcare professional. Xifaxan (rifaximin) isn't recommended during pregnancy because of the potential risk for harm to the unborn baby.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Xifaxan (rifaximin)

          Is Xifaxan (rifaximin) an antibiotic?
          Yes, Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a rifamycin antibiotic. It stops bacteria from growing and spreading by preventing bacteria from making proteins they need to survive.
          How long does it take for Xifaxan (rifaximin) to work?
          How long Xifaxan (rifaximin) takes to work will depend on what medical condition you're using the medication for. Clinical studies show that people who took Xifaxan (rifaximin) for travelers' diarrhea had improved symptoms within a day or two (32 hours). But people who took Xifaxan (rifaximin) for HE or for IBS-D started to see improvement in their symptoms within a month of starting their treatment course. Speak with your prescriber if you have questions about how long you should expect Xifaxan (rifaximin) to start working for you.
          How long does Xifaxan (rifaximin) stay in your system?
          It takes a little more than a day (30 hours) for most of Xifaxan (rifaximin) to leave the body after one dose. This time frame is based on the medication's half-life, which is a measure of the time it takes to get rid of the medication from the body. Since the liver helps break down and get rid of the medication from the body, Xifaxan (rifaximin) might stay longer in the body if you have liver problems (i.e., your liver isn't working as well).
          How long do Xifaxan (rifaximin) side effects last?
          Side effects from Xifaxan (rifaximin), such as headache or nausea, can last for as long as it takes for the medication to clear from your body. This can be about a day after your last dose. It might also depend on what specific side effect you have. It's best to contact a healthcare professional to examine you if you have severe side effects or side effects from Xifaxan (rifaximin) that aren't going away.
          Does alcohol interact with Xifaxan (rifaximin)?
          Alcohol doesn't appear to interact with Xifaxan (rifaximin). But you shouldn't drink alcohol while you're taking Xifaxan (rifaximin) because it can worsen the medical condition you're using the medication to treat. For example, it's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking Xifaxan (rifaximin) for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), or problems with brain function due to liver problems. Alcohol can also cause liver damage, and drinking alcohol with this medication while you're getting treated for HE can raise the risk that your liver problems get worse. Talk with your prescriber about your drinking habits and whether Xifaxan (rifaximin) is an appropriate option for you.
          Can Xifaxan (rifaximin) be crushed?
          The manufacturer doesn't say whether or not Xifaxan (rifaximin) can be crushed. To be safe, don't crush Xifaxan (rifaximin) tablets because it might affect how well the medication works. Let the prescriber or your pharmacist know if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets whole. Some studies show that it's possible for them to ask a compounding pharmacy to make a special suspension of the medication that you can drink.
          Can you take Xifaxan (rifaximin) for SIBO?
          Xifaxan (rifaximin) isn't approved to treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) (too much bacteria growing in the small intestine that causes stomach upset). But a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis found that Xifaxan (rifaximin) was safe and worked well for treating of SIBO. This is considered an off-label use of Xifaxan (rifaximin) since the medication isn't FDA approved for SIBO. Speak with your healthcare team about your treatment options if you have SIBO.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Xifaxan (rifaximin)?

          Xifaxan (rifaximin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Worsening of travelers' diarrhea

          Xifaxan (rifaximin) only works to treat travelers' diarrhea that's caused by specific bacteria called E. coli. E. coli is the most common cause of travelers' diarrhea, but there are other bugs that can also cause this type of diarrhea. And Xifaxan (rifaximin) might not be able to fight against these other bugs. This might lead to worsened travelers' diarrhea if you're not getting the appropriate treatment you need.

          Stop taking Xifaxan (rifaximin) and seek medical help if you continue to have diarrhea for more than 1 to 2 days or if your diarrhea gets worse. Also get urgent care if you have a fever or bloody diarrhea. These could be signs that you need to take a different medication to treat your symptoms more appropriately or that you need more medical attention.

          risk-warning

          Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

          • Risk factors: Using antibiotics

            All antibiotics, including Xifaxan (rifaximin), can lead to an infection caused by the bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This infection can happen because antibiotics change the normal bacteria in your stomach and intestines. As a result, C. diff can overgrow in the gut and cause potentially life-threatening diarrhea.

            C. diff-related diarrhea is considered a medical emergency. It can cause fast heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, and frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day). Get medical attention right away if you have any of these symptoms. You'll get tested for C. diff-related diarrhea and get appropriate treatment, if needed.

            dosage

            Xifaxan (rifaximin) dosage forms

            The average cost for 42 tablets of 550mg of Xifaxan (rifaximin) is $2327.24 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 13.62% off the average retail price of $2694.10.
            tablet
            Tablet
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            200mg9 tablets$97.57$10.84
            550mg42 tablets$2327.24$55.41

            Typical dosing for Xifaxan (rifaximin)

            • Travelers' diarrhea: The typical dose is 200 mg by mouth three times daily for 3 days.

            • Hepatic encephalopathy: The typical dose is 550 mg by mouth twice daily.

            • Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D): The typical dose is 550 mg by mouth three times daily for 2 weeks. If your symptoms come back after treatment, your prescriber might decide to take the medication again using the same treatment course. Your can repeat the treatment course for up to 2 times.

            interactions

            Interactions between Xifaxan (rifaximin) and other drugs

            Xifaxan (rifaximin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Xifaxan (rifaximin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

            Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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            How much does Xifaxan (rifaximin) cost?

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            Xifaxan (rifaximin) contraindications

            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Xifaxan (rifaximin) will not be safe for you to take.
            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Xifaxan (rifaximin)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Xifaxan (rifaximin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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            Xifaxan (rifaximin) images

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            References

            Best studies we found

            Bass, N. M., et al. (2010). Rifaximin treatment in hepatic encephalopathy. New England Journal of Medicine.

            Cober, M. P., et al. (2010). Stability of extemporaneously prepared rifaximin oral suspensions. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy.

            Connor, B. (2023). Traveler’s diarrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

            View All References (6)

            Gatta, L., et al. (2017). Systematic review with meta-analysis: Rifaximin is effective and safe for the treatment of small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

            Lembo, A., et al. (2016). Repeat treatment with rifaximin is safe and effective in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology.

            National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2011). Hepatic encephalopathy.

            Nguyen, T. T., et al. (2021). Pharmaceutical formulations with P-glycoprotein inhibitory effect as promising approaches for enhancing oral drug absorption and bioavailability. Pharmaceutics.

            Robertson, K. D., et al. (2023). Rifaximin. StatPearls.

            Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Xifaxan- rifaximin tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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