Rifastop 200 Tab

RIFASTOP 200 TAB

RIFASTOP 200 TAB, manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd. (PANACEA), is an antibiotic medication primarily used for gastrointestinal and liver-related conditions.

Composition

The active ingredient in RIFASTOP 200 TAB is Rifaximin (200 mg).

Uses

RIFASTOP 200 TAB is prescribed for several medical conditions:

• Infectious Diarrhea: Particularly effective for traveler's diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. It works by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines.
• Hepatic Encephalopathy: Used to manage decreased brain function due to severe liver disease by reducing toxin-producing bacteria in the digestive tract.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D): Helps to alleviate symptoms associated with IBS-D.

Dosage and Administration

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and duration of treatment. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. RIFASTOP 200 TAB can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maximize effectiveness. For traveler's diarrhea, a typical dosage might be 200 mg, two or three times daily for 3 days. It is crucial to complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from recurring.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache, dizziness, fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, constipation
• Fever, tenesmus (increased urge to pass stools)
• Leg swelling (peripheral edema), fluid accumulation in the stomach (ascites), and elevated liver enzymes. Most side effects are usually temporary and resolve as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen. A reddish discoloration of urine is a normal and harmless effect.

Precautions

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have pre-existing liver, kidney, or heart conditions.
• This medicine is not recommended for diarrhea complicated by fever or blood in the stool, or diarrhea caused by pathogens other than E. coli.
• Avoid alcohol consumption as it may lead to adverse effects like flushing, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure.
• Use with caution in patients with severe liver impairment and in the elderly.
• If you experience dizziness or fatigue, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
• It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and consume probiotic-rich foods (e.g., yogurt) while taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, as Rifastop 200 Tablet may interact with certain drugs like oral contraceptives, calcium-channel blockers, and benzodiazepines.

Storage

Store RIFASTOP 200 TAB in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature, ideally below 30°C or between 10ºC to 25ºC. Ensure to use the medicine before its expiry date.

What is RIFASTOP 200 TAB used for?

RIFASTOP 200 TAB, which contains Rifaximin 200 mg, is primarily used to treat infectious diarrhea. This includes traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It may also be used to manage hepatic encephalopathy (a liver-related brain disorder) and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults, although for these conditions, a higher strength of Rifaximin (550 mg) is more commonly prescribed. RIFASTOP 200 TAB is not recommended for diarrhea accompanied by fever, blood in stools, or diarrhea caused by pathogens other than E. coli.

How does RIFASTOP 200 TAB work?

RIFASTOP 200 TAB is an antibiotic that works locally within the intestines. Its active ingredient, Rifaximin, functions by binding to a component of bacterial cells called DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. This action inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis, which is crucial for bacterial reproduction and growth. By blocking this process, Rifaximin effectively prevents the multiplication of susceptible bacteria in your gut, thereby alleviating symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. The medication is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, meaning most of it stays in the gastrointestinal tract to target the infection there.

What is the usual dosage for RIFASTOP 200 TAB?

For traveler's diarrhea, the typical dosage for adults and children 12 years of age and older is one 200 mg tablet taken three times a day for 3 days. It's crucial to follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and duration, and not to exceed it without consultation.

What are the possible side effects of RIFASTOP 200 TAB?

Most side effects are temporary and generally resolve as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects may include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fatigue, fever, dizziness, and flatulence. Some individuals may also experience leg swelling. It's also normal and harmless for your urine to turn reddish while taking this medicine.

More serious but rare side effects include watery or bloody diarrhea (which may occur with stomach cramps and fever during or up to 2 months after treatment), hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, or symptoms of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Is RIFASTOP 200 TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: There is limited information on the use of RIFASTOP 200 TAB during pregnancy. It may be unsafe, and therefore, pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.

Breastfeeding: RIFASTOP 200 TAB is probably safe to use during breastfeeding if prescribed by a doctor. However, some sources suggest it is generally not recommended due to a lack of complete safety data or potential severe side effects on breastfeeding women. Always discuss with your doctor before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Can RIFASTOP 200 TAB be taken with other medications?

RIFASTOP 200 TAB can interact with certain medications. It's important to inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal supplements you are taking.

• Anticoagulants like warfarin may interact, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dosage and monitor your blood clotting time more closely.
• It may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so alternative birth control methods should be considered.
• Caution should be exercised with medicines metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme, such as erythromycin or ketoconazole.
• Taking it with antacids, iron supplements, or dairy products may decrease the absorption of Rifaximin; it's recommended to take RIFASTOP 200 TAB at least two hours before or after these.
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine) could increase the risk of infection.
• It may decrease the effectiveness of some antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and interact with medications for diabetes (e.g., metformin) or heart conditions (e.g., digoxin).
• Interactions with calcium-channel blockers (e.g., verapamil) and benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam) have also been noted.

What precautions should be taken while taking RIFASTOP 200 TAB?

• Do not stop taking the medicine early, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping prematurely can reduce its effectiveness and lead to bacterial resistance or a return of the infection.
• RIFASTOP 200 TAB is generally not recommended for diarrhea complicated by fever or blood in the stool, or diarrhea caused by pathogens other than E. coli.
• Use with caution if you have severe liver impairment, as there's an increased chance of the medicine being absorbed into your body, potentially leading to side effects.
• Consult your doctor if you have kidney disease or are allergic to rifaximin or other rifamycin-class antibiotics.
• This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they subside.
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially when treating diarrhea, to help replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
• Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt may be beneficial, as antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.
• While some sources state alcohol interaction is unknown, it's generally advisable to consult your doctor regarding alcohol consumption while on this medication.

What happens if a dose of RIFASTOP 200 TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of RIFASTOP 200 TAB, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, and never adjust your dosage without consulting your doctor.

How should RIFASTOP 200 TAB be stored?

RIFASTOP 200 TAB should be stored in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight, high humidity, or moisture. It should be kept at room temperature. Always keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Remember to use the tablets before their expiry date.