This image shows a box and a blister pack of Rifacot-400, which contains Rifaximin (400 mg).

Rifaximin is an antibiotic primarily used to treat gastrointestinal conditions. Unlike many other antibiotics, it is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, meaning it stays in the gut to target bacteria locally.

Key Information & Uses

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D): Used to treat IBS with diarrhea by reducing overgrowth of certain bacteria in the intestines.

• Hepatic Encephalopathy: Used to help prevent brain function decline in people with liver failure by reducing ammonia-producing bacteria.

• Traveler’s Diarrhea: Specifically used for cases caused by non-invasive strains of E. coli.

Important Safety Considerations

Note: This is a prescription-only medication (indicated by the Rx symbol on the box). It must only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

• Not for Systemic Infections: Because it stays in the gut, it cannot treat infections in other parts of the body (like pneumonia or UTIs).

• Course Completion: Like all antibiotics, the full prescribed course must be finished even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance.

• Common Side Effects: May include dizziness, nausea, or fatigue.