Rifakem-200 (Rifaximin)

Rifakem-200 general information

What is Rifakem-200 used for?

Rifakem 200 is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infection of the intestines that causes traveller’s diarrhoea in adults, when the diarrhoea is not accompanied by fever, blood in the stools, or 8 or more unformed (soft or liquid) stools in the last 24 hours.  A certain type of E.Coli bacteria (Escherichia coli), known as enterotoxigenic, is the most common cause of travellers' diarrhoea and is usually ingested in contaminated food and water.  It produces a toxin that irritates the intestine resulting in diarrhoea but no inflammation.  Rifakem-200 is only effective against non-invasive bacteria like E. coli and not against invasive bacteria (carried in the bloodstream) including Campylobacter, Salmonella and Shighella that cause more serious dysentery-like diarrhoea.  Rifakem-200 kills the bacteria that cause traveller’s diarrhoea to relieve symptoms including watery stools, vomiting, stomach cramps and bloating, but cannot be used to treat other infections as it is not absorbed into the blood and therefore, only acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract to kill local bacteria. 

How does Rifakem-200 work?

Rifakem tablets 200mg contain rifaximin, a locally acting antibiotic belonging to the rifamycin class of antibiotics.  It is a non-systemic antibiotic, which means it acts locally in the intestines and is not absorbed into the circulation.  Rifaximin in Rifakem 200 works by binding to the bacterial enzyme DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and this action inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis.  This prevents RNA transcription and thereby the production of bacterial proteins, which inhibits growth of the bacteria.  Rifaximin in Rifakem 200 is effective against the bacteria that cause traveller’s diarrhoea to relieve symptoms including watery stools, vomiting, stomach cramps and bloating.   

What does Rifakem-200 contain?

Rifakem tablets contain the active ingredient rifaximin 200mg, a locally acting antibiotic used to treat travellers' diarrhoea.  

Treating traveller’s diarrhoea with Rifakem-200

Rifakem tablets 200mg contain rifaximin, a locally acting antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infection of the intestines that causes traveller’s diarrhoea in adults.  It is only effective against non-invasive bacteria like E. coli (Escherichia coli), which is the most common cause of travellers' diarrhoea and is usually ingested in contaminated food and water producing a toxin that irritates the intestine resulting in diarrhoea but no inflammation.  Traveller’s diarrhoea is characterised by diarrhoea that is not accompanied by fever, blood in the stools, or 8 or more unformed (soft or liquid) stools in 24 hours.  Rifakem 200 is not effective against invasive bacteria (carried in the bloodstream) that cause more serious dysentery-like diarrhoea.  Rifaximin in Rifakem 200 works by blocking the production of bacterial proteins, which prevents growth and spread of the bacteria.  Rifakem 200 helps reduce symptoms of travellers' diarrhoea including watery stools, vomiting, stomach cramps and bloating. 

What are the side effects of Rifakem-200?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Rifakem-200 include dizziness, headache, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation, defecation urgency, diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating and distension, nausea and vomiting, oedema, rash.  Rifakem-200 can result in Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD), which is a more serious form of diarrhoea ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening and is due to the changes in intestinal flora that happens when taking antibiotics. 

When should Rifakem-200 not be used?

You should not use Rifakem-200 if you:

• are allergic to rifaximin or any ingredients in Rifakem-200
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have severe liver disease
• have any form of intestinal obstruction
• Have watery diarrhoea, blood in your stools, passed 8 or more unformed stools in the last 24hours or have fever
• are taking medicines that interact with Rifakem-200, including other rifamycin antibiotics and the immunosuppressant ciclosporin.  Rifakem-200 reduces the effect of warfarin

How should Rifakem-200 be taken?

You should take your Rifakem-200 swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food every 8 hours for 3 days.  The dose you take should be as recommended by your doctor.  You should not take your Rifakem tablets 200mg for longer than the 3 days and you should not take a second course.  If symptoms do not improve you should see your doctor. 

How long should you take Rifakem-200?

You should not take your Rifakem tablets 200mg for longer than 3 days and you should not take a second course. 

Missed dose of Rifakem-200

If you miss a dose of Rifakem-200 take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Rifakem-200 be stored?

You should store your Rifakem-200 below 25°C in a cool dry place.