Xifaxanta is an oral antibiotic that treats traveller’s diarrhoea within three days. Take one tablet every eight hours for effective relief.
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Xifaxanta is an intestinal antibiotic (antibiotics that work in your digestive system) that treats traveller's diarrhoea in adults. Typically, a traveller’s diarrhoea is when you consume contaminated food or water, which then causes a bacterial infection. This leads to symptoms like vomiting, nausea and, most commonly, diarrhoea. To avoid getting travellers' diarrhoea, try to eat food from hygienic places and only drink bottled water.
How does Xifaxanta work?
When contaminated food or water is ingested, it can take bacteria about 6-24 hours to cause symptoms (this is known as the incubation period). Depending on the type of bacteria, one of two processes can occur:
Non-inflammatory process - Bacteria release toxins that decrease the absorptive abilities of water and nutrients, and increase the motility (movement) of the GI tract, causing diarrhoea.
Inflammatory process - Bacterial invasion leads to inflammation and damage to the intestines, which in turn reduces the absorption of water and nutrients. This increases bowel movements, causing diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever.
Xifaxanta contains rifaximin, which binds to the enzyme RNA polymerase, the enzyme needed to make protein. By inhibiting the production of RNA, proteins are not produced, leading to the eventual death of bacteria.
However, even though most cases of travellers' diarrhoea are caused by bacteria, some infections are caused by viral or parasitic microorganisms. In these cases, Xifaxanta will not work for you.
What doses of Xifaxanta are there?
Xifaxanta only comes in 200 mg doses. The usual dosage is one tablet every 8 hours (so a total of 600mg a day). Your clinician will decide what dose to take and when to take it.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Xifaxanta
Xifaxanta should be taken with a glass of water, with or without food. The maximum dosage is 600mg a day. This works out as one tablet taken every 8 hours.
You should take it for three days, even if your symptoms improve. It's important to complete the treatment to prevent your infection from returning. If you’ve still got diarrhoea after three days of treatment, stop taking Xifaxanta and contact your clinician. Xifaxanta should not be taken for more than three days.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Xifaxanta?
If you take more than the recommended dosage, contact your doctor for medical advice. If you accidentally miss a dose of Xifaxanta, take it as soon as you remember and take the next dose at the normal scheduled time.
How quickly does Xifaxanta work for travellers' diarrhoea?
Your symptoms should improve within three days when taking Xifaxanta. However, even if you feel better, keep taking it. Don’t leave any medicine left over.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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FAQ: Xifaxanta
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How effective is Xifaxanta for travellers' diarrhoea?
Answer:
A study looked at how well two antibiotics worked at treating travellers' diarrhoea. A total of 187 patients were involved, with 93 patients taking rifaximin (the active ingredient in Xifaxanta) and 94 patients taking ciprofloxacin for three days. By the end of the three days, both drugs had a similar clinical cure rate: 87% for rifaximin and 88% for ciprofloxacin. Additionally, 83% of those taking rifaximin and 85% of those taking ciprofloxacin had improvement in their symptoms within 48 hours, showing that both antibiotics are pretty much equally effective at treating travellers' diarrhoea.
However, unlike ciprofloxacin, rifaximin works locally and isn't absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, rifaximin is associated with fewer side effects and is generally safer.
Are there other treatments other than Xifaxanta for travellers' diarrhoea?
Answer:
Some common treatments for traveller's diarrhoea include loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate. You should also consider oral rehydration salts to restore lost fluids and electrolytes. Antibiotics are only recommended when absolutely necessary and your clinician will decide whether you need them or not.
If you do need antibiotic treatment, then another option is Azithromycin. It contains a different active ingredient but works similarly to stop protein synthesis, which prevents bacteria from multiplying. You usually take just one 500mg dose a day for 4-5 days, which might be better for you if you struggle to remember to take multiple doses a day.
Both treatments can treat traveller’s diarrhoea, but one might work better for you than the other. This is because you might have resistance to one antibiotic, meaning it’s not as effective at fighting off the bacteria. As a result, you may have to try another antibiotic to treat your infection if one doesn’t work.
What are the side effects of Xifaxanta?
Answer:
As with all medicines, there are some side effects of Xifaxanta that can affect some people. Common side effects include:
headache;
wind and abdominal bloating;
abdominal pain;
constipation or diarrhoea;
nausea or vomiting; or:
fever.
Can I take Xifaxanta while pregnant?
Answer:
No - you shouldn’t take Xifaxanta if you're pregnant, or trying to become pregnant.
Why should I buy Xifaxanta with Treated?
Answer:
We make ordering medication easy. Just talk to us about your health and choose the treatment you want. And if you’re unsure, our clinicians can help you make an informed decision.
And once you’ve got your treatment, we’ll check in with you to see how you’re getting on.
Rifaximin versus Ciprofloxacin for the Treatment of Traveler's Diarrhea: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 33(11), 1807-1815.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
