Medicine Information

Aximin

Name: Aximin
Brand: Aximin
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet550 mgGastrointestinal AntibioticsATC: A07AA11

Generic Name

Rifaximin

Manufacturer

Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

India

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
aximin 550 mg tablet	৳ 45.13	৳ 451.30

Description

Overview of the medicine

Rifaximin is a non-systemic antibiotic used to treat traveler's diarrhea, hepatic encephalopathy, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) by reducing certain bacteria in the gut.

Uses & Indications

Traveler's Diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of E. coli in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.

Reduction in risk of overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in adults.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.

Dosage

Adults

For Hepatic Encephalopathy: 550 mg orally twice daily. For IBS-D: 550 mg orally three times daily for 14 days. For Traveler's Diarrhea: 200 mg orally three times daily for 3 days (not typical for 550 mg tablet).

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is generally necessary for elderly patients.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment due to minimal systemic absorption.

How to Take

Take Aximin 550 mg tablet orally with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Mechanism of Action

Rifaximin inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to the beta subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, leading to reduced bacterial growth and activity in the gut with minimal systemic absorption.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset varies by indication; for traveler's diarrhea, symptomatic improvement often within 1-2 days.

Excretion

Primarily excreted unchanged in feces (>96% of the administered dose). Minimal urinary excretion.

Half life

Approximately 5-6 hours.

Absorption

Less than 0.4% is absorbed systemically, resulting in very low systemic exposure.

Metabolism

Minimal hepatic metabolism; primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 to two metabolites which are less active than rifaximin.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to rifaximin, rifamycin antibacterial agents, or any component of Aximin 550 mg tablet.
Patients with diarrhea complicated by fever or bloody stools.

Drug Interactions

Warfarin

While systemic absorption is minimal, some reports suggest possible minor alterations in INR for patients on warfarin. Monitor prothrombin time/INR closely.

Cyclosporine

Coadministration with cyclosporine significantly increases the systemic exposure of rifaximin (although rifaximin's systemic absorption remains low). Exercise caution.

Storage

Store Aximin 550 mg tablets below 30°C (86°F), protected from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

In case of overdose, discontinue Aximin and initiate symptomatic and supportive treatment. Due to minimal systemic absorption, overdose is unlikely to cause severe systemic toxicity.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known whether rifaximin is excreted in human milk; exercise caution when administering to a nursing mother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per pack30 tablets per pack

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. Refer to the packaging for the exact expiry date.

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Generic available

Clinical Trials

Rifaximin has been extensively studied in various clinical trials for its approved indications, demonstrating efficacy and a favorable safety profile due to minimal systemic absorption. Ongoing research continues to explore its potential in other gastrointestinal conditions.

Lab Monitoring

For patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy, regular monitoring of liver function tests may be appropriate.
If the patient is on warfarin, monitor INR/prothrombin time.

Doctor Notes

Emphasize rifaximin's non-systemic nature to patients to manage expectations regarding side effects and systemic drug interactions.
Counsel patients on the importance of completing the full course, especially for traveler's diarrhea and IBS-D, to prevent recurrence and resistance.
Monitor patients with hepatic encephalopathy for signs of worsening liver function or adverse effects.

Patient Guidelines

Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if you start feeling better.
Do not use Aximin 550 mg if your diarrhea is bloody or associated with fever.
Inform your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days of treatment.
Avoid alcohol during treatment, especially if you have hepatic encephalopathy.

Missed Dose Advice

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Driving Precautions

Rifaximin may cause dizziness in some patients. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how Aximin affects them.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infections.
Follow a balanced diet and stay hydrated, especially during episodes of diarrhea.
If treating HE, adhere to dietary restrictions (e.g., low protein diet) as advised by your healthcare provider.