Antibiotic drugs can be used to treat various diseases. Such drugs work well with genitourinary infections, diseases of the respiratory tract, soft tissues and skin integuments. But before using such medications, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Today we’ll talk about what a medicine like Rifaximin is. Instructions for use of the drug, as well as its indications and side effects will be described below.
Release forms and packaging
In what form can Rifaximin be available? A group of antibiotics with such an active substance may be marketed in the form of coated tablets. As a rule, they are contained in contour packs and cardboard boxes, respectively.
Also, "Rifaximin", the price of which is indicated below, is available in bottles with granules intended for the preparation of a suspension. In addition, you can also find external products in the form of ointments, which are sold in tubes.
Mechanism of action
What is a substance like rifaximin? Instructions for use reports that it is an antibiotic belonging to the group of ansamycins. It is intended to treat various intestinal infections.
This drug is active against gram-negative bacteria such as salmonella, klebsiella, shigella, proteus, enterobacter, yersinia and others, as well as gram-positive microorganisms in the form of streptococcus, enterococcus, staphylococcus, peptostreptococcus and clostridia.
The medication in question is capable of suppressing the pathogenic intestinal flora, destroying bacteria in the diverticula (that is, saccular formations) of the colon, significantly reducing the inflammatory processes in diverticular disease. Also, this tool reduces the number of toxic compounds formed by bacteria, which prevents the development of liver encephalopathy in case of its lesions.
Kinetic features of an antibiotic substance
Is rifaximin absorbed into the bloodstream? Instructions for use indicate that when ingested, this substance is practically not absorbed. At the same time, very high concentrations are created in the intestinal lumen. If this product is used externally, it is not absorbed through the skin.
Indications for use
What diseases uses an antibiotic such as rifaximin? Reviews of experienced specialists say that this tool is very effective for acute intestinal infections that were caused by bacteria sensitive to it.
Thus, medications based on this substance should be taken with:
- diarrhea of travelers;
- diverticulosis of the colon ;
- chronic colitis;
- hepatic encephalopathy.
It should be noted that Rifaximin excels in the syndrome of excessive growth of microbes in the intestine.
For the prevention of infectious complications, this drug is prescribed for surgical operations on the rectum and colon.
The drug for external application can be used for infections of the skin, such as purulent inflammation, contagious impetigo, diaper rash, hydradenitis, furunculosis and others.
Contraindications to the use of antibiotic
In what cases should you not prescribe drugs with such an active substance as rifaximin? Analogues of this tool and the medication itself are contraindicated in:
- severe ulcerative lesions of the intestine;
- hypersensitivity to rifamycins;
- the presence of partial or complete intestinal obstruction.
"Rifaximin": instructions for use
Do you know how to use the tool in question? Drugs with rifaximin in the form of tablets or suspensions are prescribed orally. It is advisable to take such drugs either on an empty stomach or in the process of eating food.
Use an antibiotic should be strictly prescribed by a doctor. If, after a day after the start of the intake, no positive dynamics are observed, as well as adverse reactions occur, treatment must be canceled. In this case, the antibiotic is replaced with a more effective medicine.
The dosage for oral administration to adults and children from 12 years of age is as follows: 1 tablet (200 mg) every 8 hours. If necessary, the drug can be used in the amount of two tablets (400 mg) every 12 hours. The course of therapy with such a drug should last at least seven days. Retreatment can be prescribed no earlier than 30 days later. Dosage adjustment, as well as the regimen of the medication is carried out by the doctor.
For skin diseases, doctors recommend using an ointment with rifaximin. It is applied to the problem area, but not rubbed. As a rule, a column of a drug 3-10 centimeters long is used for treatment. It is applied to the affected area three times a day. The course of therapy lasts from 7 to 15 days.
Use in children
In pediatric practice, Rifaximin is used to treat intestinal infections. For children under 2 years of age, a medication is prescribed only for vital indications. While taking the antibiotic, the child should be constantly under the supervision of a pediatrician.
For children from 2 years old and up to the age of 12, rifaximin-based medications are prescribed at a dose of 20-30 mg per kg per day.
Thus, a single dose of the drug for a child 2-6 years old is 100-200 mg, and for children 6-12 years old - 100-300 mg.
Side effects
Usually, Rifaximin is well tolerated by patients. Of the side effects, the following are possible:
- hives;
- dyspeptic reactions (nausea and vomiting);
- urge to defecate;
- constipation;
- intestinal colic;
- diarrhea;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- fever.
Occasionally, you may experience:
- skin rash;
- muscle pain
- swelling of the face;
- candidiasis;
- dyspnea;
- peripheral edema;
- bifurcation in the eyes;
- loss of taste;
- palpitations
- an admixture of blood in the stool and so on.
When using the drug in high dosages, as well as with its long-term use or the presence of ulcers on the intestinal mucosa, patients may experience staining of urine in a bright or pale reddish color.
Drug interaction
Is it possible to use an antibiotic with rifaximin with other medicines? According to the instructions, while taking this drug and cyclosporins, the degree of its systemic effect may increase.
Cost and analogues
What drug contains an active ingredient like rifaximin? "Alpha Normix" is an Italian-made medicine. Trade names for rifaximin in other countries are Zaxine, Xifaxan, Rifacol, Spiraxin, Colidur, Normix.
How much does an antibiotic cost with a substance like rifaximin? Its price is about 500-600 rubles.
Reviews of consumers about the drug
In most patients, the drug with rifaximin is fairly well tolerated. However, some of them note a feeling of heaviness and rumbling in the abdomen, as well as flatulence, especially in the early days of admission. Also, some people may observe an admixture of blood in the stool.
Despite all these shortcomings, almost all patients confirm the high effectiveness of the antibiotic in the treatment of intestinal infections. Although some of them claim that they could achieve a better result only by increasing the daily dosage of the drug to 1800 mg.