Rifakem 200 Mg (10 Tab)

RIFAKEM 200 MG (10 TAB) by ALKEM LABORATORIES LTD

Name: Rifakem 200 mg Tablet. The common name for the active ingredient is Rifaximin.

Composition: Each tablet contains Rifaximin 200 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses: Rifakem 200 mg Tablet is an antibiotic primarily used to treat bacterial infections in the gut. It is prescribed for:

• Infectious traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in adults.
• Hepatic encephalopathy (a decline in brain function due to severe liver disease) to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.

Dosage and Administration:

• For traveler's diarrhea, the typical dosage for adults is 200 mg orally three times a day for 3 days.
• The tablet can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level in the body and for optimal results.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose or duration. For traveler's diarrhea, do not take for more than 3 days unless directed by a doctor.

Side Effects:

• Common: Headache, peripheral edema (leg swelling), nausea, dizziness, fatigue, ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), increased liver enzymes (ALT), vomiting, stomach pain, and flatulence.
• Reddish discoloration of urine may occur but is normal and harmless.

Precautions:

• Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to rifaximin, other rifamycin antibiotics (e.g., rifabutin, rifampicin, rifapentine), or any other components of the tablet.
• Not recommended for diarrhea complicated by fever, blood in stools, or caused by pathogens other than E. coli.
• Use with caution in patients with liver disease.
• Not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
• Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding; the medicine is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety information and it is unknown if it passes into breast milk.
• Monitor for severe diarrhea during or after treatment; discontinue and consult a doctor immediately if this occurs.
• If you are taking oral contraceptives, your doctor may suggest alternative contraception as Rifakem may affect their effectiveness.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness.

Storage:

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children and pets.
• Store at room temperature, typically between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.
• Keep in its original container, tightly closed.

RIFAKEM 200 MG is an antibiotic medication containing rifaximin as its active ingredient. It is primarily used to treat various gastrointestinal conditions caused by bacteria.

What is Rifakem 200 MG used for?

Rifakem 200 MG is used in adults to treat infectious diarrhea, particularly traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli. It is also prescribed for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and to prevent the recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (a decline in brain function due to severe liver disease).

How does Rifakem 200 MG work?

Rifakem 200 MG (Rifaximin) is a non-absorbable, broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it acts locally in the intestines with very little of the drug entering the bloodstream. It works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis, specifically by binding to the beta-subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This action prevents bacteria from producing essential proteins, thereby stopping their growth and multiplication. This helps to eliminate harmful bacteria in the gut and reduce inflammation.

What is the usual dosage of Rifakem 200 MG?

The dosage of Rifakem 200 MG varies depending on the condition being treated. For traveler's diarrhea, the typical adult dose is 200 mg taken three times a day for 3 days. For other conditions like IBS-D or hepatic encephalopathy, higher doses or different frequencies (e.g., 550 mg twice or three times daily) may be prescribed. It should always be taken as directed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of Rifakem 200 MG?

Common side effects of Rifakem 200 MG may include headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence (gas), constipation, and fever. Some people might also experience fatigue or dizziness. A harmless side effect that can occur is reddish-colored urine. If any side effects persist or become bothersome, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Is Rifakem 200 MG safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Rifakem 200 MG is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited information on its safety in pregnant women; therefore, it's crucial to consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant. Regarding breastfeeding, it is unknown if Rifaximin passes into human milk, so it's advised not to breastfeed while taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.

Can Rifakem 200 MG be taken with other medications?

Rifakem 200 MG may interact with other medications. It's important to inform your doctor about all other medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Medications like warfarin (an anticoagulant) and oral contraceptives may have their effectiveness altered. Certain antibiotics, erythromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, and some antifungal medications, as well as cholera and BCG vaccines, might interact with Rifakem 200 MG. Caution is also advised with medications metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme and those that affect P-glycoprotein efflux transporters.

What precautions should be taken when using Rifakem 200 MG?

Do not take Rifakem 200 MG if you are allergic to rifaximin or similar antibiotics like rifamycin, rifampicin, or rifabutin. It's not recommended if you have diarrhea with fever or blood in your stools, have liver disease (especially severe impairment), or symptoms of bowel blockage. Avoid grapefruit juice or the fruit itself during treatment. It is crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of treatment, even if you feel better, to prevent the infection from returning and to avoid antibiotic resistance.

What happens if a dose of Rifakem 200 MG is missed?

If you miss a dose of Rifakem 200 MG, 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 200 MG be stored?

Rifakem 200 MG tablets should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the medicine in a tight, light-resistant container and protect it from moisture. Ensure it is kept out of sight and reach of children.