Rifakem 550 Tablet

By Rifakem

Rx

10 Tablet in a Strip

Composition icon

Composition

Rifaximin(550mg)

Manufacturer - Alkem Laboratories Ltd icon

Manufacturer - Alkem Laboratories Ltd

Alkem Laboratories Limited, Devashish Building, Alkem House, Senapati Bapat Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013.

Expires on or after icon

Expires on or after

October, 2026

About Rifakem 550 Tablet

Rifakem 550 Tablet is an antibiotic used to treat conditions like hepatic encephalopathy, infectious diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. Hepatic encephalopathy occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, leading to brain damage. Infectious diarrhea, commonly known as traveler's diarrhea, is a condition where unformed stools are passed due to bacterial infection, often by E.coli bacteria. Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea affects the large intestine, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea.

The active ingredient in Rifakem 550 Tablet is Rifaximin, which belongs to the group of antibiotics or antibacterials. It works by targeting the bowel and preventing the spread of infections caused by the loss of beneficial gut bacteria. This helps in relieving abdominal pain and diarrhea associated with the mentioned conditions.

When taking Rifakem 550 Tablet, it is important to follow your doctor's dosage instructions. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Consistency in taking the medicine is crucial for maximum benefit, and it is advised to continue the treatment for the prescribed duration. Abruptly stopping the medication can result in the return of infection, making it harder to treat.

Like any medication, Rifakem 550 Tablet may cause side effects such as vomiting, headache, dizziness, nausea, rashes, joint pain, and depression. While these side effects are usually temporary and diminish as the body adjusts to the medicine, it is essential to consult your doctor if you experience persistent or severe side effects. It is normal for the urine to turn reddish in color due to this medicine, and it is not a cause for concern.

Before starting treatment with Rifakem 550 Tablet, inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any existing liver, kidney, or heart conditions. It is crucial to disclose any history of allergies to medicines as well. Avoid using Rifakem 550 Tablet for more than the prescribed duration, and consult your doctor if there is no improvement in symptoms. Children should not take this medicine unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional, as its efficacy and safety in children have not been established. Be sure to discuss all your current medications and health conditions with your doctor to prevent any unfavorable interactions or side effects.


Benefits

Rifakem 550 Tablet offers multiple benefits in different health conditions. In the treatment of Hepatic encephalopathy, a serious liver disease that affects brain function, this medication plays a crucial role. Individuals suffering from hepatic encephalopathy may experience symptoms like confusion, tremors, sleep disturbances, and even loss of consciousness. By reducing the levels of ammonia-producing bacteria in the blood, Rifakem 550 Tablet can improve brain function and alleviate symptoms associated with this condition. When taken as directed, this medicine helps in managing agitation, confusion, muscle issues, speech difficulties, and prevents the progression to a coma.


Furthermore, Rifakem 550 Tablet is also effective in the treatment of Infectious diarrhea. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of loose and watery stools due to harmful microorganisms in the digestive system. By targeting and inhibiting the growth of these harmful bacteria in the intestines, this medication helps to combat infectious diarrhea effectively. The active ingredients in the tablet disrupt the bacteria's ability to produce essential proteins required for their survival and reproduction, thereby aiding in the elimination of the bad bacteria causing the infection. Ultimately, this process leads to a reduction in diarrhea symptoms and an overall improvement in the individual's well-being.


In conclusion, Rifakem 550 Tablet is a versatile medication that provides significant relief in conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy and infectious diarrhea by targeting the root causes of these ailments and aiding in symptom management. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and regimen to experience the full benefits of this medication for optimal health outcomes.


How to use the Rifakem 550 Tablet

To properly use Rifakem 550 Tablet, you should follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Take the tablet in the dose and for the duration prescribed by your doctor. It is important to swallow the tablet whole and not chew, crush, or break it. You can take Rifakem 550 Tablet with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time every day to help maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body. Following these guidelines will help ensure that you get the most benefit from Rifakem 550 Tablet.


Uses of Rifakem 550 Tablet

Rifakem 550 Tablet is commonly used in the treatment of two specific medical conditions: hepatic encephalopathy and infectious diarrhea. For patients suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, a serious condition where the liver is unable to effectively filter toxins from the blood, Rifakem 550 Tablet can help manage the symptoms and improve the patient's overall condition. Similarly, for individuals experiencing infectious diarrhea, which is often caused by bacterial or viral infections in the gastrointestinal tract, Rifakem 550 Tablet is effective in providing relief and aiding in recovery. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional when using Rifakem 550 Tablet for either of these conditions to ensure proper treatment and optimal results.


What conditions Rifakem 550 Tablet treats?

Rifakem 550 Tablet is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a liver disease that causes brain function changes such as confusion and tremors. It can also help with infectious diarrhea, a condition with sudden loose stools due to harmful bacteria in the intestines. By targeting and stopping the growth of harmful bacteria, this medicine can improve brain function in hepatic encephalopathy and reduce diarrhea symptoms. Be sure to take it as directed by your doctor to benefit the most from the treatment. Side effects are usually temporary and should be discussed with your doctor if they persist.


Should you consult a doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects like persistent vomiting, severe headache, prolonged dizziness, continuous nausea, worsening rashes, or persistent joint pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of depression that do not improve, or if you have dark-colored urine. Additionally, if you have any allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek urgent medical help. It is important to consult your healthcare provider before starting Rifakem 550 Tablet if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health issues such as liver, kidney, or heart problems, or if you have known allergies to medications. Regular check-ins with your doctor will ensure the safe and effective use of this medication.


Side effects of Rifakem 550 Tablet

When taking Rifakem 550 Tablet, some common side effects may occur. These include dizziness, nausea, peripheral edema (swelling in the legs and arms), ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), fatigue, depression, nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), joint pain, rash, and muscle pain. Most of these side effects are usually mild and tend to improve as your body gets used to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or cause concern, it is important to consult your doctor for further guidance.


Safety advice

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liver

When using Rifakem 550 Tablet, it is important to be cautious if you have severe liver disease. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage of Rifakem 550 Tablet in such cases. It is always best to consult your doctor for proper guidance regarding the use of this medication in relation to any liver issues.

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kidney

Rifakem 550 Tablet appears safe for patients with kidney disease; data indicates no need for dose adjustment. Consult your doctor for guidance.

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alcohol

"Consult your doctor when consuming alcohol with Rifakem 550 Tablet."

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driving

When taking Rifakem 550 Tablet, it generally does not impact your driving abilities.

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pregnancy

Rifakem 550 Tablet may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Limited studies in humans suggest potential harm to the developing baby based on animal studies. Your doctor will assess the benefits and risks before prescribing. Kindly consult your doctor.

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breastfeeding

Rifakem 550 Tablet is likely safe during breastfeeding, based on limited data showing no significant risk to the baby.


Consumption warning before consuming Rifakem 550 Tablet

Before taking Rifakem 550 Tablet, it is important to note that this medication is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy and infectious diarrhea by eliminating harmful bacteria in the intestines. It can be taken alone or along with other medications, with or without food, at the same time each day. To ensure effectiveness, follow the prescribed dosage and duration advised by your doctor. Continuously taking the medication is crucial as stopping early may result in the infection returning and being harder to treat.


Some temporary side effects like vomiting, headache, dizziness, nausea, rashes, joint pain, and depression may occur but usually resolve as the body adjusts. If these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor. Expect your urine to turn reddish, which is a normal and harmless occurrence while on this medication. Inform your doctor before starting Rifakem 550 Tablet if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver, kidney, or heart conditions, or are allergic to any medications.


What if you forgot to take Rifakem 550 Tablet?

If you forget to take a dose of Rifakem 550 Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and stick to your usual schedule. It's important not to take a double dose to make up for the missed one. This helps maintain the proper balance of medication in your body and reduces the risk of potential side effects.


Related lab tests

In order to monitor the effects of Rifakem 550 Tablet on your body, your healthcare provider may recommend certain lab tests to be done. These tests can help assess the impact of the medication and ensure overall health. The related lab tests for Rifakem 550 Tablet may include Ammonia test, which measures the levels of ammonia in the blood to check liver function; a Culture Stool test, which detects any abnormal bacteria or parasites in the digestive system; Liver Function Test, which evaluates the overall health of the liver; Potassium and Sodium tests, which measure the levels of these electrolytes in the blood for proper nerve and muscle function; and Stool Examination R/M test, which analyzes stool samples for any signs of infection or digestive issues. These lab tests are important to monitor and manage your health while taking Rifakem 550 Tablet.


Additional Information

Habit FormingNo
Chemical ClassRifamycin derivatives
Therapeutic ClassGASTRO INTESTINAL
Action ClassRNA polymerase inhibitors- Rifamycins

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is to the best of our abilities to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and reviewed by a team of professionals. It should not be used to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. The information presented here is not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship or replace a registered medical practitioner's advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The absence or provision of any information or warning regarding any medicine should not be assumed as an implied or explicit assurance of safety or efficacy. We highly recommend consulting your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the content encountered on our website. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

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Dr. Mansi Chaudhari

MBBS - General Medicine

Last update on 01-Oct-2024