Table of Contents

I. What is Xifaxan?

II. What are the Functions of Xifaxan?

III. Understanding E. Coli Bacteria

IV. How Quickly Does Xifaxan Work?

V. FAQ: How Can I Get the Best Results From Xifaxan Treatment?

Digestive conditions like traveler’s diarrhea and IBS-D can cause uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with everyday life. Xifaxan is a prescription antibiotic that works mainly in the intestines to treat or manage these conditions. Read on to learn how Xifaxan works, what it is prescribed for, and how quickly it may begin relieving symptoms.

What is Xifaxan?

Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a prescription antibiotic that works mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. [1] It is used to treat certain conditions caused by bacteria in the intestines. [2]

Xifaxan may be prescribed to:

• Treat traveler’s diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of E. coli in adults and children aged 12 years and older
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults
• Reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy returning in adults [2]

Before taking Xifaxan, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rifaximin or related antibiotics, including rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifamate, Rifater, or Rimactane), or rifapentine (Priftin). You should also mention any other medication allergies, allergies to the ingredients in Xifaxan, and any current or previous liver disease. [3]

Take Xifaxan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can usually be taken with or without food. Continue taking it for the full prescribed treatment period, even if your symptoms improve before you finish the medication. Skipping doses or stopping treatment too soon may cause your symptoms to return and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. [2]

For more information about Xifaxan, read our article, “What to Know Before Taking Xifaxan.”

What are the Functions of Xifaxan?

a. Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common illness that can occur while visiting another country, especially in areas where food handling, sanitation, or access to clean water may be limited. Bacteria cause most cases, with certain strains of E. coli among the most common culprits. Symptoms may include loose stools, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. In many cases, bacterial traveler’s diarrhea lasts about three to seven days without treatment. [4]

Xifaxan may be prescribed to treat traveler’s diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of E. coli in adults and children aged 12 years and older. The usual treatment is one 200 mg tablet taken three times a day for three days, with or without food. Xifaxan should not be used if the diarrhea is accompanied by fever or blood in the stool. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours. [2]

b. IBS with Diarrhea

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that can make the gut more sensitive and cause the digestive muscles to contract abnormally. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. People with diarrhea-predominant IBS, also known as IBS-D, may experience frequent bowel movements, loose or watery stools, and a sudden urge to use the bathroom. Because IBS does not usually have a cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups. [5]

If you have IBS-D, your doctor may prescribe Xifaxan. This antibiotic works against bacteria in the small and large intestines that can contribute to diarrhea. [5] Xifaxan is usually taken three times a day for 14 days, with or without food. [2] Contact your doctor if your symptoms return after you finish treatment. [3]

c. Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious condition that can occur when a damaged liver is unable to filter toxins from the blood properly. These toxins, including ammonia produced in the intestines, can build up and interfere with how the brain functions. Symptoms may include confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, personality or mood changes, daytime sleepiness, slurred speech, unusual behavior, and disorientation. Severe cases can lead to unresponsiveness or coma. [6]

Xifaxan may be prescribed to reduce the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy returning in adults. It works by limiting the growth of bacteria in the intestines that produce toxins and may worsen liver disease. [3] The recommended dose is one 550 mg tablet taken twice a day, with or without food. [2]

Understanding E. Coli Bacteria

E. coli is short for Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria commonly found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals. Most strains live in the intestines without causing health problems. However, some strains have developed traits that allow them to cause illness, including diarrhea and other serious digestive symptoms. [7]

One of the more serious strains is E. coli O157:H7, which produces Shiga toxins. An infection may begin with non-bloody diarrhea and then progress to bloody diarrhea or hemorrhagic colitis within one to three days. In some cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication that may damage the kidneys. Young children and older adults have a greater risk of developing severe symptoms. [7]

How Quickly Does Xifaxan Work?

How quickly Xifaxan works depends on the condition being treated. For traveler’s diarrhea, symptoms should begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment. Contact your doctor if your diarrhea does not improve, becomes worse, or is accompanied by fever or blood in the stool. [3] For IBS-D, Xifaxan is usually taken three times a day for 14 days. [2] Contact your doctor if your IBS-D symptoms return after treatment. [3]

Take Xifaxan exactly as prescribed, even if you begin feeling better. Skipping doses or stopping treatment early may make the treatment less effective and increase the chance of antibiotic resistance. [3]

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FAQ: How Can I Get the Best Results From Xifaxan Treatment?

To get the best results from Xifaxan, make sure you understand why your doctor prescribed it. Xifaxan may be used for traveler’s diarrhea caused by certain strains of E. coli, IBS-D in adults, or to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy returning in adults. Each condition has a different treatment schedule, so following the exact directions matters.

Xifaxan should be taken for the full prescribed treatment period, even if you start feeling better. Stopping early or skipping doses may make treatment less effective and can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. You should also know when symptoms should improve and when to contact your doctor, since warning signs can differ depending on the condition being treated.

To use Xifaxan properly:

1. Take Xifaxan exactly as prescribed, with or without food.
2. Complete the full treatment course, even if your symptoms improve.
3. For traveler’s diarrhea, contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours.
4. Do not use Xifaxan if diarrhea is accompanied by fever or blood in the stool unless your doctor tells you to.
5. For IBS-D, contact your doctor if symptoms return after treatment.
6. For hepatic encephalopathy, continue taking Xifaxan as directed to help lower the risk of symptoms returning.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.