Rifagen
Generic Name
Rifaximin
Manufacturer
ACI Limited (example for Bangladesh)
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| rifagen 450 mg tablet | ৳ 17.49 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Rifaximin is a non-systemic antibiotic that acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract. It is used to treat traveler's diarrhea, hepatic encephalopathy, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Traveler's Diarrhea: 200 mg orally three times daily for 3 days. Hepatic Encephalopathy: 550 mg orally twice daily. IBS-D: 550 mg orally three times daily for 14 days; may repeat.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment is required for elderly patients.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment due to minimal systemic absorption.
How to Take
Take Rifagen orally with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Complete the full course of treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Rifaximin inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, leading to reduced bacterial proliferation and virulence within the gut lumen.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Clinical improvement for traveler's diarrhea typically within 24-48 hours.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in feces (>96%).
Half life
Approximately 5-6 hours.
Absorption
Very low systemic absorption (<0.4%) after oral administration.
Metabolism
Minimally metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to rifaximin, rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any component of the formulation.
- Patients with fever, or blood in the stool, or diarrhea caused by pathogens other than non-invasive E. coli.
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
May alter INR; monitoring recommended.
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates (e.g., cyclosporine)
Rifaximin is a weak inducer of CYP3A4 and a substrate of P-gp. Use with P-gp inhibitors/inducers might alter systemic exposure of rifaximin, but clinical significance is minimal due to low absorption.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Due to very low systemic absorption, overdose is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity. In case of suspected overdose, discontinue medication and provide supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Excretion into breast milk is unknown; caution advised during lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to rifaximin, rifamycin antimicrobial agents, or any component of the formulation.
- Patients with fever, or blood in the stool, or diarrhea caused by pathogens other than non-invasive E. coli.
Drug Interactions
Warfarin
May alter INR; monitoring recommended.
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates (e.g., cyclosporine)
Rifaximin is a weak inducer of CYP3A4 and a substrate of P-gp. Use with P-gp inhibitors/inducers might alter systemic exposure of rifaximin, but clinical significance is minimal due to low absorption.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Due to very low systemic absorption, overdose is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity. In case of suspected overdose, discontinue medication and provide supportive care.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Excretion into breast milk is unknown; caution advised during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
24-36 months from manufacturing date
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by FDA (US), DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Patent expired, generics available
Clinical Trials
Rifaximin has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety for approved indications, including TARGET trials for IBS-D and trials for HE and TD.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize rifaximin's localized action, making it suitable for gut-specific infections with minimal systemic side effects.
- Counsel patients on completing the full course to prevent recurrence and resistance.
- Advise against use in systemic infections or diarrhea with fever/bloody stools.
Patient Guidelines
- Complete the entire prescribed course of Rifagen, even if symptoms improve.
- Do not use Rifagen if your diarrhea is accompanied by fever or blood in the stool.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
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.
Driving Precautions
Rifagen may cause dizziness in some individuals. Patients should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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