Understanding Xifaxan's Potential Adverse Reactions and Managing Them Effectively
Xifaxan, a brand-name tablet, is a prescription medication used to treat various digestive conditions, including traveler's diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), and helping prevent repeat episodes of hepatic encephalopathy in adults. This article aims to provide an overview of the potential side effects of Xifaxan and its uses.
When used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, common side effects of Xifaxan (≥5%) include peripheral edema (swelling, especially in feet and legs), nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue or tiredness, constipation, and abdominal swelling or fluid buildup (ascites). Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention include allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection causing severe, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, rapid heart rate, and frequent bowel movements possibly leading to colitis.
For IBS-D, common side effects include nausea and elevated liver enzymes. When taken for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, Xifaxan's side effects are likely similar to its side effects for approved uses, but there are no clinical trials of the drug's side effects in people with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
One of the potential risks associated with Xifaxan is an increase in C. difficile, a bacterium that can lead to an infection in the intestines and diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by C. diff can occur during or after stopping treatment with Xifaxan and may be mild or severe. If you take Xifaxan for any condition and develop diarrhea after stopping treatment, contact your doctor immediately.
Other noted side effects include increased liver enzymes and general gastrointestinal symptoms. Mild side effects include loss of appetite and taste sensation, weight loss, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or legs caused by fluid buildup, fatigue, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling caused by fluid buildup, muscle spasms, skin rash or itching, fever, nose or throat inflammation, joint pain, headache, and dizziness.
If you experience persistent or bothersome dizziness, talk with your doctor. Xifaxan may cause weight gain due to fluid buildup. Nausea can also be experienced while taking Xifaxan and can be managed by taking frequent sips of water, getting plenty of fresh air, drinking ginger or peppermint teas, avoiding oily, sugary, or rich foods, eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large main meals, and talking with your doctor if the nausea persists or is bothersome.
It's important to note that Xifaxan belongs to a drug class called rifamycin antibiotics and is not available in a generic version. If you have a headache while taking Xifaxan, it will typically get better on its own within a few hours. You can help ease a headache by drinking plenty of fluids, getting some rest, and gently massaging your temples.
When taking Xifaxan for traveler's diarrhea, drinking plenty of fluids and drinking electrolyte drinks such as rehydration solutions or sports drinks can help prevent dehydration. Antidiarrheal medication may be prescribed to treat diarrhea caused by C. diff.
If you have any concerns about the side effects of Xifaxan or if your symptoms persist or worsen, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring is important when on this treatment, and patients are advised to report serious or persistent symptoms promptly.
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