Zaxine is an antibiotic and acts on the bacteria in the gut. Zaxine is used for prevention of recurring episodes of a condition called hepatic encephalotherapy (HE). It may be used in conjunction with lactulose as directed by your doctor. HE occurs when the liver is not working properly and cannot remove toxins from the blood which affect brain function. Zaxine is used to prevent HE only in adult patients where HE is likely to occur again. Zaxine is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. It is thought to work by reducing the production of toxins released into the blood by the bacteria in the gut. This can help with the most common symptoms of IBS-D which include bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Take Zaxine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed as whole with plenty of water. Do not crush the tablets. The recommended dosage is one tablet twice daily for HE. The recommended dosage is one tablet three times a day for 14 days for IBS-D. No more than three doses of Zaxine (1 tablet three times a day) should be taken in a 24-hour period.
Manufacturer Information
Zaxine is manufactured by Lupin Pharma and comes from Canada. The active ingredient in Zaxine is Rifaximin. There is no generic available for this medication. Zaxine is available as tablets in the dosage strengths of 550 mg.
Stop taking Zaxine and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:
• Allergic reaction
• Gut inflammation (severe bloody or watery diarrhea with or without fever, abdominal pain, or tenderness)
Less serious side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, muscle spasms, dizziness, unsteadiness, headache and itchiness. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Do not take Zaxine if you have or had allergy to rifaximin, rifamycin antibacterial agents or any other ingredients in the medication. Zaxine should not be used in children under 2 years of age. Before taking Zaxine, inform your doctor if you have liver disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Zaxine should not be used in children or adolescents less than 18 years of age. Zaxine can interact with cyclosporine, midazolam, digoxin, oral contraceptives, and warfarin.