Dosage form:

Flim coated tablets 200, 550 mg

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat diarrhea.
• It is used to prevent brain problems caused by very bad liver disease.
• It is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

Important notes before taking Xigut (Rifaximin):

• If you have an allergy to rifaximin or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have diarrhea along with fever or blood in the stool.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor. 

Important notes while taking Xigut (Rifaximin):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
• If you are taking this drug for travelers’ diarrhea, call your doctor right away if diarrhea lasts more than 24 to 48 hours or gets worse.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Xigut (Rifaximin) side effects:

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• Headache. 
• Dizziness.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Muscle spasm.
• Nose or throat irritation.
• Joint pain.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. 

Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs.