You don't usually gain weight on Xifaxan as weight gain is not a common side effect of Xifaxan although some people who take Xifaxan, especially when they have hepatic encephalopathy might experience some fluid buildup also known as edema, in their feet, hands, ankles, legs and or abdomen which is called ascites.
And this fluid buildup can also sometimes result in weight gain.
Xifaxan is not hard on your body and primarily works within your gut and is also minimally absorbed into your bloodstream.
The low absorption rate of Xifaxan often leads to fewer side effects when compared to other types of antibiotics which affect your entire body.
Common side effects of taking Xifaxan include swelling, especially in your lower limbs or ankles, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, muscle spasms, itching, stomach pain and changes to liver enzymes.
Possible serious side effects that may occur in some rare cases when taking Xifaxan include severe muscle pain, facial swelling, shortness of breath, skin rashes and Clostridioides difficle or C.diff infections, which can also cause severe diarrhea.
If you have any severe, watery or bloody diarrhea during or after taking Xifaxan it's important to seek immediate medical attention as it can be a sign of an infection called Clostridioides difficle also known as C.diff.
And although rare, severe allergic reactions to Xifaxan can occur in some people and if you experience any allergic reactions to Xifaxan such as facial swelling, sudden rash or trouble breathing you should seek immediate medical attention.
Xifaxan works for IBS by inhibiting the bacterial protein synthesis, which can help to alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and also urgency.
Xifaxan's mechanism is not fully understood, although it's thought that it alters the gut microbiota and reduces bacterial byproducts which contribute to IBS symptoms.
Xifaxan is an antibiotic which mainly works within your digestive tract and it's thought that reduces the overgrowth of certain bacteria which are believed to be involved in the development of IBS with diarrhea.
Xifaxan blocks a specific step in the process of how the bacteria create proteins, and effectively prevents them from multiplying and potentially causing issues.
Xifaxan may also change how the bacteria interact with your intestinal lining, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms.
The bacteria that xifaxan treats is certain bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, because it's also poorly absorbed and remains largely in the digestive system.
Xifaxan treats noninvasive strains of E. coli also called Escherichia coli as well as bacteria that contributes to symptoms of irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea by working to reduce certain gut bacteria that can contribute to symptoms of IBS-D.
Xifaxan also treats bacteria that produce toxins causing hepatic encephalopathy and reduce the risk of recurring episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a brain condition that can occur with severe liver disease.
Xifaxan works by targeting and reducing the bacteria in your gut, which produces toxins, like ammonia, which can also worsen liver disease and affect your brain function.
The drug xifaxan is used for treating of gastrointestinal conditions and works by slowing down the growth of certain bacteria in your gut.
Xifaxan is approved by the FDA for treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy, Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "IBS-D" and Traveler's Diarrhea.
Xifaxan treats traveler's diarrhea that is caused by certain strains of E. coli in adults and children that are aged 12 years and older.
Xifaxan is also used to treat IBS-D or Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea in adults and provides relief from the symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
And Xifaxan also treats and reduces the risk of repeated episodes of overt HE or Hepatic Encephalopathy which can be noticeable and severe in adults with liver damage.
However Xifaxan is not recommended to use when you have traveler's diarrhea accompanied by fever or bloody stool or diarrhea that is caused by bacteria other than E. coli.
Xifaxan is also sometimes prescribed off label for other conditions such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or SIBO, in which excess bacteria grow in your small intestine.
For treating traveler's diarrhea, the typical dosage of Xifaxan is 200 mg taken 3 times a day for 3 days.
For IBS-D, the usual and typical dosage is 550 mg taken 3 times a day for 14 days, with the possibility of retreatment if symptoms recur.
And for hepatic encephalopathy, the dosage is 550 mg taken 2 times daily and can even be taken long term and it's often taken long term for hepatic encephalopathy.
You can take xifaxan with food or without food.