What is Zaxine?
Zaxine (Rifaximin) is an antibiotic medication prescribed:
- For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea in adults.
- To reduce the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) reoccurring in adults. HE is a neurological condition that occurs because of liver dysfunction or failure.
Zaxine belongs to the drug class antibacterial agents. These medications work by reducing/killing the bacteria in the gut and preventing their growth.
Zaxine is not recommended:
- If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to Zaxine or any of its ingredients.
- For children under the age of 18.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Prescription Required.
Product of Canada.
Shipped from Canada.
| Prescription Required. | Product of Canada. | Shipped from Canada. |
What is Zaxine?
Zaxine (Rifaximin) is an antibiotic medication prescribed:
- For irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea in adults.
- To reduce the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) reoccurring in adults. HE is a neurological condition that occurs because of liver dysfunction or failure.
Zaxine belongs to the drug class antibacterial agents. These medications work by reducing/killing the bacteria in the gut and preventing their growth.
Zaxine is not recommended:
- If you are allergic or have had an allergic reaction to Zaxine or any of its ingredients.
- For children under the age of 18.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What are the Indications for Zaxine?
Zaxine is approved to treat irritable bowel syndrome and to maintain hepatic encephalopathy remission.
How is Zaxine used?
Storage
Zaxine should be stored in its original packaging at between 68-77°F (20-25°C) with excursions permitted between 59-86°F (15-30°C).
Store Zaxine in a dry place away from light and moisture.
Keep out of reach of children.
Instruction
Take Zaxine orally as directed by your doctor with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole and do not chew or crush it.
Do not change your dosage and take more than what is prescribed or stop using Zaxine without consulting your doctor. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
If you miss a dose, skip the dose, and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not catch up by taking two doses at once. If you took more than prescribed, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
Do not take more than three doses in 24 hours.
Dosage
Zaxine is available in a 550 mg strength tablet form.
The recommended starting doses are:
- Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: one tablet twice a day for 14 days.
- Hepatic encephalopathy one tablet twice a day.
SIDE EFFECTS
It’s important to understand that although Zaxine is FDA-approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you.
Before using Zaxine, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Zaxine, side effects may go away. Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own:
- Mild diarrhea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Abdominal bloating
- Muscle spasms
- Dizziness/unsteadiness
- Headache
- Itchiness
- Reddish color to sweat, urine, or tears
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while using Zaxine may occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe allergic reaction: a rash over your whole body, sweating, extreme drowsiness, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, feeling faint, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, becoming confused or abdominal cramps.
- Depression: change in sleep patterns, weight gain/loss, poor concentration, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide.
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Zaxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have or ever had any liver problems
- Take any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins
- Are 18 years or younger
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
- Are taking warfarin
- Are taking oral contraceptives
Antibiotic-related diarrhea
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. If you develop severe diarrhea while taking Zaxine, contact your doctor.
Liver disease
Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause this medication to build up in the body, causing side effects. Let your doctor know if you have any liver problems as it may affect the dosing and effectiveness. Your doctor might test your liver function regularly while you are taking Zaxine.
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Zaxine may harm your unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will decide if the benefit of taking Zaxine outweighs the risk.
Breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
It is not known if Zaxine passes through breast milk. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
INTERACTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
Zaxine is not indicated for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Zaxine may interact with these medications: amiodarone, antifungal medications, BCG vaccine, carvedilol, cyclosporine, dronedarone, elagolix, eliglustat, erdafitinib, flibanserin, hepatitis C antivirals, lapatinib, lumacaftor and ivacaftor, macrolide antibiotics, Osimertinib, propafenone, quinidine, quinine, ritonavir, sodium picosulfate, verapamil, and warfarin.
Speak to your doctor if you take any of these medications. You may need to stop taking one of these medications, change one of them to another one, or change how you take them.