Rifaximin is used to treat traveler's diarrhea that is caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli.

It is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, which is a condition that occurs when your liver does not work normally.

This medicine is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. 

Rifaximin is an antibiotic. In hepatic encephalopathy, it works by killing the ammonia-producing bacteria thereby relieving symptoms such as agitation, confusion, and muscle problems. In infectious diarrhea, it works by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause diarrhea.

Major & minor side effects for Rifaximin

• Black or Tarry stools
• Difficult and painful breathing
• Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands and feet 
• Watery and bloody diarrhea with stomach cramps and fever
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Headache
• Blood in urine
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Ulcer and sore throat
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Flatulence
• Muscle and joint pain
• Blurred vision
• Mental Confusion
• Dry mouth and lips
• Dizziness and fainting
• Unusual tiredness and weakness

Use of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended unless absolutely necessary and the benefits outweigh the risks involved.

This medicine is not effective to treat diarrhea which is caused by other organisms like Campylobacter jejuni or shigella strains.

The use of this medicine can cause clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea by killing the gut friendly microorganisms.

It is advised to take this medicine for the entire course.

This medicine should be used with caution in patients having moderate to severe impairment of liver function.

Use of this medicine may cause dizziness in some patients.