Rcifax 550 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET (10 TAB) by LUPIN LTD.

RCIFAX 550 MG Tablet is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Lupin Ltd., primarily used to treat various gastrointestinal conditions. It contains Rifaximin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. This action helps in relieving associated symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: RCIFAX 550 MG Tablet
  • Common Name: Rifaximin 550 mg Tablet

• Composition:

  • Active Ingredient: Rifaximin 550 mg

• Uses: RCIFAX 550 MG Tablet is prescribed for the following conditions:

  • Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE): It is used to reduce the recurrence of overt HE episodes in adults with liver disease. This condition involves decreased brain function due to the liver's inability to remove toxins from the blood.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D): It helps manage symptoms of IBS-D by treating intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
  • Traveler's Diarrhea: Effective against infectious traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.
  • It is not effective against viral infections or diarrhea complicated by fever or blood in the stool.

• Dosage and Administration: RCIFAX 550 MG Tablet is taken orally, with or without food, as directed by a doctor.

  • For Hepatic Encephalopathy: Typically, 550 mg twice a day.
  • For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea: Usually 550 mg three times a day for 14 days. Retreatment can be done up to two times if symptoms recur.
  • For Traveler's Diarrhea: Generally 200 mg three times a day for 3 days (though the tablet is 550 mg, this is a general rifaximin dosage for traveler's diarrhea).
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break it. It is crucial to complete the full course of medication to prevent re-infection and antibiotic resistance.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea, Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Peripheral edema (leg swelling)
  • Ascites (excess fluid buildup in the abdomen)
  • Increased liver enzymes (ALT)
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence
  • Rash, joint pain, muscle pain
  • Reddish discoloration of urine (normal and harmless) Serious side effects, though rare, can include Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (persistent diarrhea with blood or mucus in stool) and severe allergic reactions.

• Precautions:

  • Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Rifaximin, rifamycins, or any other ingredients.
  • Use with caution in patients with severe liver disease.
  • Not recommended for children under 18 years as efficacy and safety have not been established.
  • Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Avoid if diarrhea is complicated by fever or blood in the stool.
  • Be cautious if driving or operating machinery as it may cause dizziness.
  • Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially P-glycoprotein and OATP inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine) and warfarin, as interactions may occur.

• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight and out of reach of children. Typically stored at 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC. This medicine does not require special storage conditions.

Here are some frequently asked questions about RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET (Rifaximin 550 mg), along with concise answers:

What is RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET used for?

RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of recurring episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, a brain condition that can occur in adults with severe liver disease. Additionally, it can be used for traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli bacteria.

How does RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET work?

RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET contains Rifaximin, an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth and killing harmful bacteria in the intestines. It does this by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis, which prevents the bacteria from producing essential proteins needed for their survival and multiplication. Since it is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, its action is mainly confined to the gastrointestinal tract.

What is the usual dosage for RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET?

The dosage of RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET varies depending on the condition being treated. For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D), the typical dose is 550 mg three times a day for 14 days, and treatment can be repeated up to two times if symptoms return. For preventing the recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy, the usual dose is 550 mg twice a day.

What are the possible side effects of RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET?

Common side effects may include nausea, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, fatigue, joint pain, muscle tightening, bloating, and gas (flatulence). More serious but less common side effects can include severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea (even months after treatment), fever, hives, rash, itching, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

Is RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET is generally not recommended during pregnancy, as animal studies have shown potential harm to the fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor. It is not known if Rifaximin passes into breast milk. While systemic absorption is low, an alternative medication might be preferred, especially when nursing a newborn or premature infant.

Can RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Rifaximin can interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal products, and dietary supplements you are taking. For example, drugs like cyclosporine or some P-glycoprotein inhibitors can increase the levels of Rifaximin in your body. Rifaximin may also reduce the effectiveness of certain vaccines, such as the cholera vaccine.

What precautions should be taken while taking RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET?

Do not take RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET if you are allergic to Rifaximin or other rifamycin antibiotics. This medicine is not effective for diarrhea accompanied by fever, bloody stools, or diarrhea caused by pathogens other than E. coli. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease. If your diarrhea worsens, does not improve within 1-2 days, or if you develop a fever or blood in your stool, contact your doctor immediately. It's crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve earlier, to prevent antibiotic resistance and recurrence of infection.

What happens if a dose of RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of RCIFAX 550 MG 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 a missed one.

How should RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET be stored?

RCIFAX 550 MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, typically between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep the medication out of the reach of children and pets. Properly dispose of any expired or unused medication according to local guidelines, such as through a medication take-back program.