Xifaxan for IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
IBS:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that affects up to 15% of the population in the United States. The most common symptom of IBS is abdominal pain linked to a change in bowel habits, diarrhea, and constipation. Xifaxan is a two-week prescription medication that can relieve IBS-D symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea for up to six months.
The majority of IBS sufferers experience a lot of bloating and gas. Studies suggest that IBS patients may have a change in their gut flora. The findings show that persons with IBS have an overabundance of bacteria in their small intestine, a condition known as bacterial overgrowth.
The colon muscle tends to contract more frequently in people with IBS than in healthy individuals. Cramping and pain result from these contractions. Additionally, IBS sufferers frequently have reduced pain thresholds. Additionally, research has indicated that IBS symptoms may be exacerbated by an overabundance of microorganisms in the GI tract.
Types of IBS:
Depending on the nature of your bowel movement issues, you may have IBS. Your treatment may vary depending on your IBS type. Only certain forms of IBS respond to specific medications. IBS sufferers frequently alternate between days with normal and irregular bowel motions. Your abnormal bowel movements will determine the type of IBS you have:
- Most of your stool is lumpy and hard if you have IBS with constipation (IBS-C).
- IBS-D: The majority of your stool is watery and loose.
- You experience both loose and watery bowel movements and hard, lumpy bowel movements on the same day if you have IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M).
Causes of IBS:
IBS can be caused by many circumstances in various persons. Brain-gut interactions are hampered by functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like IBS. The root cause of IBS is still unknown to doctors. People with IBS tend to experience some issues more frequently. Some of the underlying causes of IBS are:
- Several mental illnesses, including somatic symptom disorder, anxiety, depression
- Food intolerances, or sensitivities, in which specific foods trigger digestive problems.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, an increase in the quantity or kind of bacteria in your small intestine
- According to research, some people may have genes that increase their risk of developing IBS.
Xifaxan belongs to the group of an antibiotic used to treat irritable bowel syndrome caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in patients aged 12 and up, as well as to reduce the risk of worsening brain function, or hepatic encephalopathy, in individuals with liver failure.
How does Xifaxan Work for IBS?
Xifaxan works by killing bacteria that cause traveler’s diarrhea and IBS-D, as well as toxin-producing bacteria that contribute to the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. It differs from other antibiotics because it does not enter your bloodstream after passing through your stomach and into your intestines. It will not treat infections in other body sections because it solely addresses the digestive tract.
What Xifaxan is Used for?
It was given the go-ahead by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several ailments, including:
Traveler’s Diarrhea:
Adults and children over 12 are prescribed Xifaxan to treat travelers’ diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). Most people develop this sickness after eating or drinking food infected with E. coli. Within ten days of arriving in a location with inadequate public cleanliness, travelers’ diarrhea symptoms can appear. This syndrome can be brought on by consuming water or food that has been contaminated by bacteria (or other germs).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D):
Xifaxan is also used to treat adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who have diarrhea as their primary symptom.
To prevent HE in adults with liver disease:
In people with liver failure, Xifaxan is also used to reduce the risk of brain function decrease. When these toxins accumulate, they may reach the brain and result in symptoms such as disorientation, slurred speech, and diminished attentiveness. When the liver stops operating and cannot eliminate toxic compounds from the body, it might disrupt brain function.
Off-label Uses:
Some Xifaxan usage off-label includes Pouchitis a side effect of surgery for ulcerative colitis that affects the lining of the pouch, Traveler’s diarrhea prevention, Overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine: a disorder that frequently results in bloating, discomfort in the abdomen, and diarrhea, treatment of HE after other treatments have failed Treatment of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection.
Hepatic Encephalopathy:
The sole FDA-approved medication for lowering the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence in adults is Xifaxan, which was authorized in 2010. It was also demonstrated to assist in lowering the chance of hospitalizations linked to HE.
What does Xifaxan do for the liver?
Xifaxan 550 mg tablets are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (with diarrhea) in adults and to prevent bouts of Hepatic Encephalopathy (changes in thinking, behavior, and personality caused by a build-up of toxins in the brain in persons with liver disease).
Rifaximin therapy sustained remission from hepatic encephalopathy more successfully than placebo over 6 months. Rifaximin therapy also lowered the likelihood of hepatic encephalopathy-related hospitalization.
Xifaxan Medication:
The film-coated Xifaxan (Rifaximin) tablets for oral use contain 200 or 550 mg of rifaximin. For diarrhea, the usual dosage is 200 mg three times a day for three days, and for hepatic encephalopathy, the usual dosage is 550 mg twice a day for three days.
One should follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Xifaxan. Read all drug guides or instruction sheets and follow all guidelines on your prescription label. This drug can be taken with or without food.
Rifaximin is the active component of Xifaxan. Rifaximin belongs to the antibiotics (antibacterial treatments) class of pharmaceuticals that fight bacteria in the intestines. It is available as a tablet for oral administration, and it can be taken with or without food.
The dose plan for Xifaxan must be followed exactly. Missing doses of this prescription will lower the antibiotic’s effectiveness while also increasing the danger of bacteria becoming resistant to treatment. If you miss a dosage of this medication, take it as soon as you remember. Take no more than one dose at a time. If the next dose is approaching, skip the missing dose.
Xifaxan is normally only given for three days to treat travelers’ diarrhea. It is commonly given for two weeks at a time for IBS. Pay close attention to your doctor’s dosing instructions.
Even if your symptoms improve rapidly, take this prescription for the whole amount of time recommended. By skipping doses, you’re increasing your chances of developing a drug-resistant infection. A viral infection, such as the flu or a common cold, cannot be treated with Xifaxan.
Side Effects:
Some of the most common side effects of Xifaxan include nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, feeling as if you need to empty your bowels right away, feeling as if your bowels aren’t totally empty, headache, dizziness, tiredness, or swelling in your hands, feet, or body.
For long-term maintenance of remission from overt hepatic encephalopathy, Rifaximin is safe and well-tolerated.
Severe Side Effects:
Serious adverse effects are possible with Xifaxan. If you experience any of the following effects, contact your healthcare practitioner straight away. If your symptoms seem life-threatening, dial 911.
Xifaxan’s severe adverse effects can include swelling in Arms’ or legs’ (peripheral edema), and abdominal bloating (ascites). A rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or neck are all indications of an allergic reaction that can be caused by severe side effects.
If you experience cramps, stomach pain, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools, inform your healthcare professional right once. Without first consulting, your practitioner, avoid using any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to treat diarrhea.
Xifaxan Long-term Side Effects:
Although C. diff infections can be treated with Xifaxan. While taking Xifaxan for months after stopping treatment, C. diff infection is possible. Xifaxan’s long-term side effects include severe, perhaps fatal gastrointestinal issues brought on by C. diff. If you experience stomach pain, cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody feces, call your doctor straight away.
Preventive measures for IBS:
IBS may be treated by doctors who advise dietary and lifestyle modifications, medications, probiotics, and mental health therapy. To find the treatment that works best for you, along with medications and lifestyle modifications you might need to try a few. Your doctor can assist you in choosing the best course of action.
Your symptoms might be treated with dietary changes. Some of the following modifications may be suggested by your doctor are:
- Consume a more fiber-rich diet.
- Exclude gluten-rich food.
- Adopt the low FODMAP diet, a particular eating regimen.
- Learn more about IBS nutrition, diet, and eating habits with the help of a dietician.
- Indulging more into exercise, yogas, and physical activities.
- Minimizing the amount of stress in one’s life and getting enough rest
Xifaxan Cost & Coupon:
Xifaxan medication is more popular than similar medications. There are no generic alternatives to Xifaxan at this time. While the most common type of Xifaxan is covered by 90 percent of insurance plans for a co-pay of $60.00-$77.50, many of them have limitations. Xifaxan Coupons from the manufacturer and the drugstore can help you save money. The lowest price for Xifaxan medication is roughly $2,005.50, which is 10% less than the average retail price of $2,238.48.
FAQ:
How long does Xifaxan take to work for IBS?
Just two weeks of treatment relief can be sustained for up to 6 months. The duration of recovery from abdominal pain and diarrhea ranged from 6 to 24 weeks, with an average of 10 weeks. If your symptoms return, you can be treated up to two more times.
How long can you take Xifaxan?
Xifaxan is a two-week prescription medication that can provide relief from IBS-D symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea for up to six months.
How to take Xifaxan?
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, as advised by your doctor, generally twice a day to prevent hepatic encephalopathy (every 12 hours). Take this antibiotic at regular intervals for the best results. Take this prescription at the same time(s) every day to help you remember.
What does Xifaxan do for your stomach?
Xifaxan is an antibiotic used to treat gastrointestinal problems. It acts as an antibiotic (kills dangerous bacteria) and may alter the bacterial makeup of your gut bacteria.
How effective is Xifaxan for IBS?
At the end of Rifaximin treatment, patients who took 1200 mg of Rifaximin per day saw a 52 percent improvement in overall IBS symptoms.
Does Xifaxan really work?
People with IBS-D who followed a Xifaxan course show improvement. Symptom improvement was seen in 40.7 percent of IBS-D patients who took Xifaxan 1650 mg twice a day for two weeks.
What should I eat while taking Xifaxan?
It’s also a good idea to be aware of foods to avoid while on Xifaxan. Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of sugar, Lactose in dairy products. Fructans-rich fruits, vegetables, and probiotic supplements. Galactans-containing legumes Polyol-containing artificial sweeteners, Garlic, Barley, rye, and grains with honey should be avoided.
Does Xifaxan cause weight gain?
The feet, hands, and arms swell (peripheral edema) Dizziness. Fatigue. Bloating, abdominal pain, and weight gain are symptoms of fluid retention around the abdomen (ascites).
Should you take probiotics with Rifaximin?
The use of Rifaximin in combination with probiotics lowers urine and gastrointestinal symptoms while maintaining good compliance.
Can I drink alcohol with Xifaxan?
One should avoid drinking alcohol with Xifaxan.
How do you know if you have IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine and is a prevalent condition. Cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, or both, are signs and symptoms. IBS is a long-term condition that you’ll have to manage.
What are the 3 types of IBS?
- IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation): The majority of your stool is hard and lumpy.
- IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea): The majority of your stool is loose and watery.
- IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): On the same day, you have both hard and lumpy stool movements as well as loose and watery movements.
What drugs interact with Xifaxan?
Many drugs interact with Xifaxan including cyclosporine, ketoconazole, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), an antibiotic – clarithromycin, erythromycin, antiviral medicine – ritonavir, saquinavir; or heart or blood pressure medicine – amiodarone, quinidine, verapamil.