Mesgut-400 Tablets

“Rifaximin 400 mg is an antibiotic primarily used to treat traveler’s diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). It also manages irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults and helps prevent hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver failure, a condition where the liver fails to remove toxins from the blood, potentially leading to brain damage".

Composition:

Rifaximin 400 mg

Uses

1. Traveler’s Diarrhea: Often prescribed for diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in travelers.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D): Helps reduce symptoms in patients with IBS-D.

3. Hepatic Encephalopathy: Used to lower the recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver disease by reducing the bacteria that produce toxins.

4. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Sometimes used off-label to treat bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Dosage

• Traveler’s Diarrhea: 200 mg taken three times daily for 3 days.

• IBS-D: 550 mg taken three times daily for 14 days. A second course may be recommended if symptoms return.

• Hepatic Encephalopathy: 550 mg taken twice daily on a long-term basis to prevent recurrence.

Note: Dosages may vary based on patient condition, age, and response to treatment. Always follow a healthcare provider’s instructions.

Mechanism of Action

Rifaximin is an antibiotic that works in the gut by:

• Inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis: It prevents bacteria from producing proteins by blocking RNA synthesis, leading to bacterial death.

• Targeting gut bacteria: It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, particularly those causing gastrointestinal issues.

• Minimal absorption: Rifaximin stays mainly in the intestines, treating gut infections with little systemic absorption.

• Treating bacterial overgrowth and diarrhea: Used for conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and traveler’s diarrhea

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Bloating, nausea, constipation, or stomach pain

• Headache: Mild headache in some patients

• Increased Liver Enzymes: Can sometimes lead to elevated liver function tests

Less common but serious side effects:

• Allergic Reactions: Swelling, rash, itching, or difficulty breathing (rare)

• Clostridioides difficile Infection (C. diff): Severe diarrhea that could indicate a secondary infection

Precautions

1. Liver Function Monitoring: Patients with liver conditions should be monitored, as rifaximin can impact liver enzymes.

2. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established. Discuss risks with your doctor.

3. Allergy to Rifamycin Antibiotics: Patients allergic to rifamycin should avoid rifaximin.

4. Avoid in Viral Infections: Not effective for viral infections like colds or flu.

5. Drug Interactions: Always inform your doctor of other medications to avoid interactions.

**It’s essential to use rifaximin under a healthcare provider’s guidance due to its specific uses and side effect profile.