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Rifakem 200mg Tablet
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:30 AM (IST)
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Introduction to Rifakem 200mg Tablet
Rifakem 200mg Tablet is an antibiotic that contains the active substance rifaximin. It is used to treat traveler’s diarrhoea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli in adults. It is also used to prevent the recurrence of episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy (symptomatic loss of brain function) in adults with liver disease. This medicine can be used alone or in combination with medicines containing lactulose.
Do not take Rifakem 200mg Tablet if you are allergic to Rifaximin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to similar types of antibiotics, such as rifamycin, rifampicin, or rifabutin. Do not take this medicine if your physician informs you that you have a blockage in your intestine. Do not take this medicine if you have a fever, blood in stools, or have passed over eight or more unformed stools in the last 24 hours. Inform your physician if you have liver problems before starting the treatment.
This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents aged less than 18 years of age. The most common side effects of Rifakem 200mg Tablet are headache, swelling of the feet and legs, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and abdominal swelling. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you take more than the recommended number of tablets unknowingly, seek medical advice immediately.
Uses of Rifakem 200mg Tablet
- Traveler’s diarrhoea
- Hepatic encephalopathy
Therapeutic Effects of Rifakem 200mg Tablet
Rifakem 200mg Tablet acts by binding to the bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking one of the steps in the transcription process. This results in the inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis and consequently inhibits the growth of bacteria.
Interaction of Rifakem 200mg Tablet with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, vaccines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications like warfarin and oral contraceptives may interact with Rifakem 200mg Tablet and reduce their effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Rifakem 200mg Tablet
- Store at room temperature 20° to 25°C.
- Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture.
- Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets.
How to consume Rifakem 200mg Tablet
Always use this medicine as exactly as your doctor prescribes. Depending on the condition being treated, your physician decides the dose, dosage, and duration of the treatment. Take the tablet at the same time every day, with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets.
Safety Advice for Rifakem 200mg Tablet
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended in patients taking Rifakem 200mg Tablet because the medicine passes into the breast milk in small amounts and may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed during the treatment.
Alcohol
It is not known whether consuming alcohol is safe while taking Rifakem 200mg Tablet. Consult your physician for more advice.
Liver
Rifakem 200mg Tablet should be cautiously given to patients with liver problems. Inform your physician if you have any severe liver disease before initiating the therapy.
Lungs
It is not known whether Rifakem 200mg Tablet can be used in patients with lung disorders. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Driving
Rifakem 200mg Tablet does not affect your ability to drive. However, if you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery.
Pregnancy
Do not use Rifakem 200mg Tablet during pregnancy because it harms the unborn baby. Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting pregnancy, or planning to get pregnant during the treatment.
Side Effects of Rifakem 200mg Tablet
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Common
- Swelling of the legs and feet
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Abdominal swelling
- Dizziness, headache
- Tiredness
Serious
- Anemia
- Allergic reactions
Word of Advice
While taking Rifakem 200mg Tablet, your urine may appear to be reddish. Treatment with this medicine can cause severe diarrhoea. Inform your physician if you have diarrhoea for several weeks. If you forgot to take the tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for the next dose. Inform your physician if you're taking oral contraceptives (medicines to prevent pregnancy). Your doctor may suggest you take certain tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the therapy.
FAQs about Rifakem 200mg Tablet
Q1.
What are the common side effects of Rifakem 200mg Tablet?
The most common side effects of Rifakem 200mg Tablet are headache, swelling of the feet and legs, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and abdominal swelling. Inform your physician if these side effects persist for a longer duration.
Q2.
Is Rifakem 200mg Tablet effective for all types of diarrhoea?
Rifakem 200mg Tablet is specifically approved for the treatment of traveler’s diarrhoea, which is caused by irritable bowel syndrome. It may not be effective for other types of diarrhoea complicated by fever or blood in the stool.
Q3.
Is it necessary to complete the full course of Rifakem 200mg Tablet treatment?
It is generally recommended that you complete the full course of Rifakem 200mg Tablet treatment as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Even if symptoms improve, stopping the medication prematurely may increase the risk of recurrence or incomplete elimination of the bacteria.
Q4.
Can patients with kidney problems consume Rifakem 200mg Tablet?
It is unknown whether patients with kidney diseases can take Rifakem 200mg Tablet. Consult your doctor if you have any kidney diseases.
Q5.
Does Rifakem 200mg Tablet interact with other medications?
Certain medications like warfarin and oral contraceptives can interact with Rifakem 200mg Tablet and can cause potential side effects. Inform your physician about all the medications that you are taking, including vitamin, nutritional, or herbal supplements.
Fact Box of Rifakem 200mg Tablet
Molecule Name: Rifaximin | Therapeutic Class: Antibiotics |
Pharmacological Class: Rifamycin-based non-systemic antibiotic | Indications: 1. Traveler’s diarrhea 2. Hepatic encephalopathy |
References
- Norgine Pharmaceuticals Limited., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on October 2020] [Accessed on June 2023 ], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4752.pdf
- Norgine Pharmaceuticals Limited., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on October 2020] [Accessed on June 2023 ], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2976.pdf
- Camille E. Beauduy, Lisa G. Winston, Miscellaneous Antimicrobial Agents; Disinfectants, Antiseptics & Sterilants, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 895-903.
- I.D. Penman, C.W. Lees, Alimentary tract and pancreatic disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 837-920.
- Q.M. Anstee, D.E.J. Jones, Liver and biliary tract disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 921-988.
Disclaimer
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Author Details
Written By
Dr. Deva Prasath S.
Pharm D
Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:30 AM (IST)
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