1. What Zorifax is and what it is used for
Zorifax (Rifaximin) is an antibiotic.
It is used:
- To treat infectious diarrhoea in adults (200 mg)
- To treat hepatic encephalopathy (400 mg / 550 mg)
- To reduce recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy in adults
2. What you need to know before you take Zorifax
Do not take this medicine if:
- You are allergic to rifaximin or similar antibiotics (rifamycins)
- You have intestinal blockage (intestinal obstruction)
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if:
- You have severe liver disease
- You are taking warfarin or other blood thinners
- You are taking medicines like ciclosporin
Serious skin reactions
This medicine may cause severe skin reactions such as:
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Stop taking the medicine and seek medical help immediately if you develop:
- Rash with blisters
- Skin peeling
- Sores in mouth, eyes, or genitals
Risk of severe diarrhoea
- Antibiotics may cause severe diarrhoea (Clostridium difficile infection)
- This can occur during or after treatment
Contact your doctor immediately if you have:
- Watery or bloody diarrhoea
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
Other important information
Your urine may turn reddish in colour (harmless effect)
Children and adolescents
Not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor.
Other medicines and this medicine
Tell your doctor if you are taking:
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- Antiepileptics
- Antiarrhythmics
- Oral contraceptives
- Ciclosporin
Dose adjustments or monitoring may be required.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Not recommended during pregnancy
Breastfeeding
It is unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk
Your doctor will decide whether to stop breastfeeding or treatment
Driving and using machines
You may feel dizzy
If affected, do not drive or operate machinery
3. How to take Zorifax
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you.
For infectious diarrhoea
- 200 mg tablet
- Three times daily for 3 days
For hepatic encephalopathy
- 400 mg or 550 mg
- Twice daily (long-term use)
Method of administration
- Swallow tablets with water
- Can be taken with or without food
If you take more than you should
- No serious effects reported
- Contact your doctor for advice
If you forget to take a dose
- Take it as soon as you remember
- Do not take a double dose
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Rash or itching
- Muscle spasms
Uncommon:
- Anxiety or sleep problems
- Dry mouth
- Urinary problems
- Oedema (swelling)
- Fever
Rare:
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Hypertension or low blood pressure
Serious side effects (frequency not known):
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema)
- Severe skin reactions (SJS, TEN)
- Liver function abnormalities
Stop taking the medicine and seek medical help immediately if you experience serious side effects.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to: medico@zorvia.com
5. How to store this medicine
- Store below 30°C
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep out of sight and reach of children
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What this medicine contains
- Active substance: Rifaximin (200 mg / 400 mg / 550 mg)
- Other ingredients: Excipients, colouring agents
What the medicine looks like
Film-coated tablets
Available in blister packs (10 × 10 tablets)
