Rifguard 400 Tablet (Rifaximin 400mg)

INTRODUCTION

RIFGUARD 400MG contains Rifaximin which belongs to the group of medicines called antibiotics. It is used to treat and prevent the recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy in adults. Hepatic encephalopathy can be defined as a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of severe liver disease like liver cirrhosis or hepatitis. It is a spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities characterized by agitation, confusion, muscle problems, difficulty in speaking and in some cases coma.

RIFGUARD 400MG can also be used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea in adults. Rifaximin kills the toxic bacteria in the GI tract and which relieve the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy and irritable bowel syndrome. This medicine can either be used alone or can be combined with medicines containing a laxative called lactulose. Taking this medicine, may cause a reddish discolouration of urine. If this symptom bothers you, contact your doctor.

The most common side effect of taking this medicine are severe diarrhea, depression and headache. If you experience severe diarrhea during or after using this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with severe liver disease. Regular monitoring of liver function is required. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any blockage in your intestine or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. RIFGUARD 400MG is not recommended for use in children (aged less than 18 years). Consult your doctor before taking.

USES OF RIFGUARD 400MG

Treats and prevents hepatic encephalopathy in adults
Treats irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea in adults

HOW RIFGUARD 400MG WORKS

Rifaximin works by inhibiting the growth of ammonia-producing bacteria in the digestive tract which are important to the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. This helps to relieve the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy such as agitation, confusion, muscle problems and reduces its recurrence. Inhibition of toxic micro organisms in the gut wall also relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome like abdominal cramping, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take this medicine as directed by your physician. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your condition. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.

SIDE EFFECTS OF RIFGUARD 400MG

SERIOUS
Oesophageal varices (bleeding from swollen blood vessels in your throat)
Severe diarrhea
COMMON
Depressed mood
Headache, dizziness
Shortness of breath
Feeling or being sick
Stomach pain, bloating
Ascites (fluid accumulation in abdominal cavity)
Skin rash or itching
Muscle cramps
Joint pain
Swelling of ankles, feet or fingers
RARE
Chest infections including pneumonia
Cellulitis (inflammation of tissue under skin)
Rhinitis (inflammation inside the nose)
Dehydration (body water loss)
Changes in blood pressure
Constipation
Back pain
Feeling weak
Bruising

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meal. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

Bloating or wind:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. If the symptoms get worse, contact your doctor immediately.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.

Headache:

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
RIFGUARD 400MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING
RIFGUARD 400MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.

ALCOHOL
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

LIVER
RIFGUARD 400MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to rifaximin or to similar types of antibiotics (such as rifampicin or rifabutin).

OTHERS

Do not take this medicine, if you:

Have any blockage in your intestine, fever or bloody stools

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Antibiotics (medicines used to treat infections) e.g. clarithromycin
Warfarin (used to prevent blood clotting)
Medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin)
Medicines to treat abnormal heartbeat (e.g. digoxin, amiodarone)
Ciclosporin (used to suppress immune system)
Oral contraceptives (medicines used to prevent pregnancy)