Rifakem 400 Tablet (10 Tab)

RIFAKEM 400 TABLET

RIFAKEM 400 TABLET is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Alkem Laboratories Ltd., primarily used to treat various gastrointestinal conditions.

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Rifaximin (400 mg)

Uses RIFAKEM 400 TABLET is prescribed for:

• Hepatic Encephalopathy: A condition where the liver fails to remove harmful toxins from the blood, leading to brain damage and symptoms like confusion, tremors, sleep problems, and agitation. It works by reducing ammonia-producing bacteria in the digestive tract.
• Infectious Diarrhea: Including traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli. It targets and stops the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D): By treating intestinal bacterial overgrowth, it helps reduce IBS symptoms.

Dosage and Administration

• RIFAKEM 400 TABLET should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body.
• Complete the full course of medication, even if you feel better, to prevent the infection from recurring.

Side Effects Common side effects are usually temporary and may include:

• Vomiting, headache, dizziness, nausea
• Rashes, joint pain, muscle pain
• Fatigue, depression
• Peripheral edema (swelling in lower limbs), ascites (fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity)
• Reddish discoloration of urine (normal and harmless)

Serious side effects or those that persist should be reported to a doctor. Discontinue use and contact your doctor if you experience severe diarrhea during or after using the tablet.

Precautions

• Pregnancy: Not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety information; consult a doctor.
• Breastfeeding: Probably safe if prescribed, but it is unknown if Rifaximin passes into human milk; consult a doctor.
• Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with severe liver disease.
• Kidney Problems: Generally safe in patients with kidney disease if prescribed.
• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to rifaximin or other rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifabutin, rifapentine, rifampicin).
• Contraindications: Avoid if you have diarrhea with blood or fever, diarrhea not caused by bacteria (e.g., viral), or symptoms of bowel blockage, abdominal pain, or constipation.
• Alcohol: Interaction with alcohol is unknown; consult your doctor.
• Drug Interactions: Concurrent use with cholera vaccine may decrease immune response. Use with caution with warfarin as it may decrease its anticoagulant efficacy.

Storage

• Store at room temperature in a cool and dry place, preferably below 30°C.
• Protect from light and excessive moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

What is RIFAKEM 400 TABLET used for?

RIFAKEM 400 TABLET is an antibiotic primarily used to manage digestive issues such as hepatic encephalopathy, infectious diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). Hepatic encephalopathy is a liver condition that affects brain function due to the liver's inability to remove harmful toxins from the blood. It helps alleviate symptoms like confusion, tremors, and sleep problems associated with this condition. For diarrhea, it targets harmful bacteria in the intestines.

How does RIFAKEM 400 TABLET work?

RIFAKEM 400 TABLET contains rifaximin, an antibiotic belonging to the rifamycin group. For hepatic encephalopathy, it works by reducing the levels of ammonia-producing bacteria in the blood that can harm the brain. For infectious diarrhea, it stops the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines by interfering with their ability to produce essential proteins for survival and multiplication. This action helps to reduce symptoms and improve brain function. The medication is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, acting mainly in the gut.

What is the usual dosage for RIFAKEM 400 TABLET?

The usual dose is typically once or twice a day. It can be taken with or without food, but for best results, it should be taken at the same time every day. The specific dosage and duration of treatment will be prescribed by your doctor based on your medical condition. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.

What are the possible side effects of RIFAKEM 400 TABLET?

Common side effects may include dizziness, nausea, peripheral oedema (swelling in limbs), fatigue, headache, stomach pain, gas, vomiting, joint pain, rash, muscle pain, and depression. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, often resolving as your body adjusts to the medication. A harmless side effect is that your urine may appear reddish in color. If any side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is RIFAKEM 400 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

RIFAKEM 400 TABLET is not generally recommended during pregnancy, and it is essential to consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, as there is limited information on its safety in pregnant women. For breastfeeding mothers, it is unknown if rifaximin passes into human milk, so it's advised to consult your doctor to assess the benefits and risks.

Can RIFAKEM 400 TABLET be taken with other medications?

RIFAKEM 400 TABLET can interact with various medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal preparations. Specific interactions have been noted with medications such as erythromycin, warfarin, azithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, anti-fungal medications, and certain vaccines (e.g., cholera, BCG). It may also interact with antacids, iron supplements, dairy products, and oral contraceptives, potentially affecting their absorption or effectiveness.

What precautions should be taken while taking RIFAKEM 400 TABLET?

Before starting RIFAKEM 400 TABLET, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems, allergies to any medications (especially rifaximin or other rifamycins), or if you experience severe diarrhea with fever or blood in your stool. It should not be used if you have Clostridium difficile infection or symptoms of bowel blockage. It is advisable to avoid grapefruit juice, and caution should be exercised with alcohol consumption, as its safety with alcohol is not fully known.

What happens if a dose of RIFAKEM 400 TABLET is missed?

If you forget to take a dose of RIFAKEM 400 TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should RIFAKEM 400 TABLET be stored?

RIFAKEM 400 TABLET should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C or below 30°C, in a cool and dry place. Keep it away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture. It is important to store the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.