Torfix 550 Tablet (Rifaximin 550mg)

Description

Torfix 550 MG Tablet is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. The lower dose (200mg, 400mg) is used to treat traveller’s diarrhoea (an intestinal infection that occurs as a result of eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water while travelling) caused due to E. coli bacteria. The higher dose (550mg) is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy (a decline in brain function that occurs due to the build-up of toxins in the blood as a result of severe liver disease) and irritable bowel syndrome (a gastrointestinal disorder that leads to pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel movements). Torfix 550 MG Tablet works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Torfix 550 MG Tablet can cause side effects like nausea, headache, flatulence (excessive gas in the stomach), swelling of the hands or feet, tiredness, abnormal liver function tests, etc. Consult your doctor if these side effects bother you for a long time or become worse. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines as this medicine may make you feel dizzy.

Torfix 550 MG Tablet may be taken with or without food. Take it at the same time every day to maintain a constant level of medicine in your body. Ensure that you complete the course treatment to prevent the risk of re-infection and antibiotic resistance (bacteria develop the ability to defeat the medicine that was intended to kill them).

Torfix 550 MG Tablet is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor about your current medications and pre-existing medical conditions before taking this medicine. This will help your doctor adjust the dose to avoid any side effects. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Torfix 550 MG Tablet.

Substitutes

List of substitutes for Torfix 550 MG Tablet
Rcifax 550 MG Tablet
Lupin Ltd.
Rifabet 550 MG Tablet
Fdc Ltd.
Rifnim 550 MG Tablet
Wockhardt Ltd.
Zimigut 550 MG Tablet
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Rifakem 550 mg Tablet
Alkem Laboratories Ltd.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Torfix 550 MG Tablet
Black or Tarry stools
Swelling of face, lips, eyelids, tongue, hands and feet
Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Ringing or buzzing in the ears
Excessive air or gas in stomach
Muscle and joint pain
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Tiredness
Swelling of hands and feet

Related Product

Uses of Torfix 550 MG Tablet

What is it prescribed for?
Traveller’s diarrhoea
Traveller’s diarrhoea is an intestinal infection that occurs as a result of eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water while travelling. The lower dose (200mg, 400mg) of this medicine is used to treat traveller’s diarrhoea caused by Escherichia coli bacteria in adults and children above 12 years of age.
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that causes a decline in brain function as a result of severe liver disease. When the liver does not work properly, it may fail to remove the toxins from the body and lead to the accumulation of toxins in the blood. Such toxins may further travel to the brain and affect brain functions, causing confused thinking or judgment, mood changes, coordination or balance problems, etc. The higher dose (550mg) of this medicine is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy in adults.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that leads to pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel movements. This condition may arise due to infection of the intestine, stress, overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine, etc. The higher dose (550mg) of this medicine is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome caused due to bacteria in adults.

When not to use?

Allergy
Avoid taking Torfix 550 MG Tablet if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.

Warnings

Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Torfix 550 MG Tablet is not recommended for use in your pregnancy as limited safety information is available. Hence, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether Torfix 550 MG Tablet passes into the breastmilk. Hence, it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Traveller’s diarrhoea caused by other bacteria
Torfix 550 MG Tablet is reported to be effective to treat traveller’s diarrhoea caused by E. coli bacteria. It is not recommended to take this medicine for traveller’s diarrhoea caused by other bacteria.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea
Torfix 550 MG Tablet can cause diarrhoea because it may also kill the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine. Inform your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea while taking this medicine.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to defeat the medicine that was intended to kill them. Hence, finish your entire course of treatment with Torfix 550 MG Tablet even if your condition gets better after a few doses to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Driving or operating machines
Torfix 550 MG Tablet may cause dizziness. Hence, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine.
Use in children
Torfix 550 MG Tablet is not recommended for use in children below 18 years for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy and irritable bowel syndrome and in children below 12 years of age for the treatment of traveller’s diarrhoea.
Kidney problems
Due to the lack of safety data, Torfix 550 MG Tablet should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Dosage

Missed Dose
Try not to skip a dose of Torfix 550 MG Tablet. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical attention in case of an overdose with Torfix 550 MG Tablet.

Interactions

General Instructions
Take Torfix 550 MG Tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet in your mouth. Swallow as a whole with plenty of water. Follow all the instructions given on the prescription label/packing insert.

Do not take more or less than the recommended dose of Torfix 550 MG Tablet. Take this medicine for the recommended duration to avoid the risk of re-infection that would be difficult to treat in the future.

Take Torfix 550 MG Tablet at the same time every day for the ease of remembering. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects that persist or worsen.

Keep this medicine away from the reach of children and pets. Ensure that the unused or expired medicine is disposed of properly.