Rifaximin
Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a locally-acting antibiotic that works primarily in the gut with minimal systemic absorption. It is used to treat traveler's diarrhea caused by certain bacteria, reduce the risk of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver disease, and treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
Xifaxan is a gut-selective antibiotic used for traveler's diarrhea, hepatic encephalopathy prevention, and IBS-D.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 539786
- Generic
- Xifaxan
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Traveler's diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of E. coli, reduction of risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence, and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.
Xifaxan is a rifamycin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to the beta-subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It has a broad spectrum of activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract with minimal systemic absorption.
Not effective against infections caused by Campylobacter, Shigella, or Salmonella species. Common side effects may include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and flatulence. Should be discontinued if no improvement occurs within 24-48 hours for traveler's diarrhea. Patients with severe hepatic impairment may experience increased systemic exposure.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy