Table of Contents

I. What is Xifaxan Used For?

II. How Does Xifaxan Work?

III. Avoiding Bacterial Resistance

IV. Side Effects of Xifaxan

V. What to Do if Symptoms Persist or Worsen

VI. Buy Discount Xifaxan

VII. FAQ: How Do I Take Xifaxan Safely?

Xifaxan is an antibiotic used to treat certain intestinal conditions, including travelers’ diarrhea, IBS-D, and hepatic encephalopathy. [1] Before starting treatment, it is important to understand how the medication works, possible side effects and interactions, and when to contact your doctor. Read on to learn what you should know before taking Xifaxan.

What is Xifaxan Used For?

Xifaxan (rifaximin) is an antibiotic used to treat certain conditions involving bacteria in the intestines. It may be prescribed to:

• Treat travelers’ diarrhea caused by certain strains of E. coli in patients aged 12 years and older
• Treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults
• Reduce the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy reoccurring in adults [1]

For a closer look at how Xifaxan is used for these conditions, read our article “The Function and Benefits of Xifaxan”

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Xifaxan only treats certain bacterial conditions and will not work against viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future bacterial infections more difficult to treat. [2]

How Does Xifaxan Work?

Xifaxan contains rifaximin, an antibiotic that works mainly inside the gastrointestinal tract. [3] Rifaximin attaches to an enzyme that bacteria need to produce RNA, which prevents susceptible bacteria from functioning properly. [1] By acting on bacteria in the intestines, Xifaxan can treat travelers’ diarrhea caused by certain strains of E. coli and help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. [2]

In people with liver disease, toxins can build up and contribute to changes in thinking, behavior, and personality. Xifaxan helps manage hepatic encephalopathy by reducing toxin-producing bacteria in the intestines that can contribute to worsening symptoms. [2]

Avoiding Bacterial Resistance

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive medications designed to kill them. When antibiotics are used unnecessarily or incorrectly, resistant bacteria can survive, multiply, and spread. These infections may become difficult, and in some cases impossible, to treat. [4]

To reduce this risk, take Xifaxan exactly as prescribed and complete the full course of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Do not skip doses or use Xifaxan for illnesses it is not intended to treat, including viral infections such as colds or the flu. [2] In the United States, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result. [4]

Side Effects of Xifaxan

Xifaxan can cause side effects, and the most commonly reported effects may differ depending on the condition being treated:

• Travelers’ diarrhea: headache
• Hepatic encephalopathy: peripheral edema, nausea, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, urinary tract infection, insomnia, anemia, itching, and ascites
• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): nausea and increased ALT levels [1]

Before taking Xifaxan, tell your doctor about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you use. Some medications may affect how Xifaxan works or increase the risk of side effects. Potential interactions include:

• Cyclosporine
• Warfarin
• CYP3A4 substrates [1]

What to Do if Symptoms Persist or Worsen

If you are taking Xifaxan for traveler’s diarrhea, your symptoms should generally begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours. Contact your doctor if your diarrhea does not improve, becomes worse, or is accompanied by fever or blood in the stool. [2]

If you are taking Xifaxan for IBS-D and your symptoms return after completing treatment, contact your doctor. [2]

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A generic version of Xifaxan received FDA approval in March 2026. However, FDA approval does not always mean the medication will become available in pharmacies right away. Active patent protections or exclusivity periods may affect when a generic product reaches the market. Pricing and availability information may also be limited before the product is commercially launched. Patients can check with their pharmacist or healthcare provider for the most current information. [5]

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FAQ: How Do I Take Xifaxan Safely?

To take Xifaxan safely, use it exactly as prescribed and only for the condition your doctor is treating. Xifaxan works against certain bacterial conditions, but it will not treat viral illnesses such as a cold or the flu. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which may make future bacterial infections harder to treat.

Before starting Xifaxan, tell your doctor about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements you take. Some medications, including cyclosporine and warfarin, may interact with Xifaxan or affect how safely it works for you. You should also know what symptoms to watch for and when to contact your doctor if your condition does not improve.

To take Xifaxan safely and get the best results:

1. Take Xifaxan exactly as prescribed.
2. Complete the full course, even if you start feeling better.
3. Do not skip doses or use Xifaxan for colds, the flu, or other viral illnesses.
4. Make sure your doctor knows about all medications and supplements you take.
5. Watch for warning signs such as fever, blood in the stool, or worsening diarrhea.
6. If you are taking Xifaxan for travelers’ diarrhea, call your doctor if symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours or become worse.

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.