INTRODUCTION

FAXICAD 550MG contains Rifaximin which belongs to the group of medicines called Antibiotics. It is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain disorder caused due to chronic severe liver diseases (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis). It happens when the damaged liver cannot remove toxins from the blood properly. As a result, the toxins get accumulated in the blood, travels to the brain and causes brain damage.

Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy includes confusion, forgetfulness, muscle problems, sweet or musty odour breath, shaking and difficulty in speaking.

Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for gastrointestinal and liver diseases. It treats hepatic encephalopathy by preventing the growth of toxin-producing bacteria in the digestive tract. This reduces toxin accumulation in the blood and eventually protects the body from the harmful effects of the accumulated toxins. As a result, it prevents the onset of disorders caused due to toxin accumulation (such as hepatic encephalopathy) and reduces their recurrence.

Before taking FAXICAD 550MG inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking FAXICAD 550MG.

There is no proper information regarding the use of FAXICAD 550MG in children. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking. It should be used with caution in the elderly patients.

The most common side effects of taking FAXICAD 550MG are dizziness, nausea, peripheral edema, fluid accumulation in the stomach, fatigue, constipation, and stomach pain. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

USES OF FAXICAD 550MG

• Treats hepatic encephalopathy

HOW FAXICAD 550MG WORKS

FAXICAD 550MG is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for gastrointestinal and liver diseases. It treats hepatic encephalopathy by preventing the growth of ammonia (toxin)-producing bacteria in the digestive tract. This reduces toxin accumulation in the blood and eventually protects your body from the harmful effects of the accumulated toxins. As a result, it prevents the onset of disorders caused due to toxin accumulation (such as hepatic encephalopathy) and reduces their recurrence.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take FAXICAD 550MG as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and severity of infection. Do not stop taking FAXICAD 550MG without consulting your doctor even if you feel better during the midway of the therapy.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FAXICAD 550MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea:

Take FAXICAD 550MG along with, or just after meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. Stick on to simple healthy foods. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.

Constipation:

Eat more fibre rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Drink plenty of water. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

Diarrhea:

Hydrate yourself by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or fruit juices. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Do not self-treat diarrhea on your own. Consult your doctor if your diarrhea becomes uncontrollable or if you see blood in your stools.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interaction:

Before taking FAXICAD 550MG, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• oral contraceptives (birth control pills) such as ethinyl estradiol
• verapamil (a medicine used to treat heart problems)
• midazolam (a medicine used to reduce anxiety and to induce sleep)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more FAXICAD 550MG, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep FAXICAD 550MG out of reach of children
• Store FAXICAD 550MG at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT FAXICAD 550MG

Can I stop taking FAXICAD 550MG suddenly?

No. Do not stop taking FAXICAD 550MG even if you feel better during the midway of the therapy. Take FAXICAD 550MG for the stipulated duration instructed by your doctor. Also, inform your doctor if you cannot see any improvement in your condition even after using FAXICAD 550MG for the stipulated duration. If you have any further questions regarding the use of FAXICAD 550MG, consult your doctor.

Can the use of FAXICAD 550MG cause tiredness?

Yes. FAXICAD 550MG may make you feel tired. This may happen due to fluid loss from the body. If you feel tired, rest, and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines. Consult your doctor if your tiredness worsens.

Can I take FAXICAD 550MG during pregnancy?

There is no proper information regarding the use of FAXICAD 550MG in pregnant women. Therefore, inform your doctor before taking FAXICAD 550MG if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby.

Can FAXICAD 550MG be used in children?

There is no proper information regarding the use of FAXICAD 550MG in children and in adolescents (aged below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Is FAXICAD 550MG a strong antibiotic?

Yes. FAXICAD 550MG is a potent antibiotic with bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. It can effectively kill the bacteria and prevents their multiplication within our body.

What is FAXICAD 550MG used for?

FAXICAD 550MG is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat hepatic encephalopathy. It kills the toxin producing bacteria within the body which eventually protects our body from the harmful effects of the accumulated toxins.

Can the use of FAXICAD 550MG cause red urine?

Yes. FAXICAD 550MG may cause pink or reddish discoloration of urine. This is usually harmless and disappears after stopping the therapy. However, consult your doctor if it bothers you.

How to take FAXICAD 550MG?

Take FAXICAD 550MG as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. FAXICAD 550MG can be taken with or without food. Continue to take FAXICAD 550MG for the stipulated duration instructed by your doctor even if you feel better during the midway of the therapy.

What FAXICAD 550MG does to my body?

FAXICAD 550MG is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for gastrointestinal and liver diseases. It treats hepatic encephalopathy by preventing the growth of toxin-producing bacteria in the digestive tract. This reduces toxin accumulation in the blood and eventually protects the body from the harmful effects of the accumulated toxins. As a result, it prevents the onset of disorders caused due to toxin accumulation (such as hepatic encephalopathy) and reduces their recurrence.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs for constipation and diarrhoea. Essentials of Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 681.

2. Maddalena Diana Iadevaia, Anna Del Prete, Claudia Cesaro, Laura Gaeta, Claudio Zulli, and Carmelina Loguercio. Rifaximin in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. NIH: National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PMC, PubMed central. December 2011. [Accessed on 2nd June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3846583/#:~:text=Rifaximin%2C%20as%20well%20as%20lactulose,or%20placebo%20for%206%20months

3. Ciplamed. Rixmin. [Revised in November 2013] [Accessed on 2nd June 2022] https://www.ciplamed.com/content/rixmin-400-tablets

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Ammonia
• Liver Function Test
• Potassium
• Sodium