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Rifaximina para problemas hepáticos

Targaxan

Take one 550 mg tablet, twice daily (Targaxan® brand).

The tablets may make your urine look a pink colour - this is normal and harmless.

The most common side-effects of rifaximin are feeling sick (nausea), feeling dizzy and headache.

At a glance

  • Rifaximin is an antibiotic taken to prevent episodes of hepatic encephalitis in liver disease.

  • It helps with symptoms like confusion and changes in alertness caused by hepatic encephalitis.

  • Take rifaximin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually one tablet twice a day.

  • Common side-effects can include feeling sick, tummy discomfort, dizziness, or headache.

  • If you experience troublesome side-effects or other symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.

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About rifaximin

Tipo de medicamento

A rifamycin antibiotic

Usado para

To prevent episodes of hepatic encephalitis in liver disease

También llamado

Targaxan®

Disponible como

Comprimidos

Rifaximin is an antibiotic which works within the gastrointestinal system. It is given to help prevent episodes of a problem called hepatic encephalitis in people with liver disease. Hepatic encephalitis can cause a range of symptoms. These include confusion, personality changes, and changes in alertness.

Another brand of rifaximin tablets, called Xifaxanta®, is used to treat traveller's diarrhoea. If you have been prescribed it for this reason, please see the separate leaflet called Rifaximina para la diarrea del viajero.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking rifaximin it is important that your doctor knows:

  • Si estás embarazada, intentando concebir o amamantando.

  • If you are very constipated or think you may have a blocked bowel.

  • Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

  • Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

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  • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about rifaximin and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

  • Take rifaximin exactly as your doctor tells you to. The usual dose is one 550 mg tablet twice daily.

  • Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. It is not important whether you take your dose before or after food. The tablets may make your urine look a pink colour - this is harmless.

  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If when you remember, it is nearly time for your next dose then leave out the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

  • Remember to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

  • Continue to take rifaximin unless your doctor tells you to stop. Otherwise your symptoms may return.

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Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with rifaximin when taken for liver problems. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Common rifaximin side-effects

(estos afectan a menos de 1 de cada 10 personas)

¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto?

Feeling sick (nausea), gastrointestinal upset, tummy (abdominal) discomfort

Mantente en alimentos simples - evita comidas ricas o picantes

Sensación de mareo

No conduzca ni utilice herramientas o máquinas mientras se sienta mareado

Dolor de cabeza

Drink plenty of water and ask your doctor to recommend a suitable painkiller

Feeling depressed, feeling short of breath, itchy rash, swollen feet or ankles, muscle cramps or pains

If any of these become troublesome, discuss them with your doctor

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que crea que puede deberse a las tabletas, hable con su médico o farmacéutico para obtener más consejos.

  • Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

  • Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Nunca tome más de la dosis prescrita. Si sospecha que usted u otra persona podría haber tomado una sobredosis de este medicamento, acuda al departamento de accidentes y emergencias de su hospital local. Lleve el envase con usted, incluso si está vacío.

Este medicamento es para ti. Nunca lo des a otras personas, incluso si su condición parece ser la misma que la tuya.

Si vas a someterte a una operación o tratamiento dental, informa a la persona que realiza el tratamiento sobre los medicamentos que estás tomando.

Si compras algún medicamento, siempre consulta con un farmacéutico para asegurarte de que sean adecuados para tomar junto con tus otros medicamentos.

No guardes medicamentos caducados o no deseados. Llévalos a tu farmacia local, que se encargará de desecharlos por ti.

Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre este medicamento, consulta a tu farmacéutico.

Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna

Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Yellow Card website.

verificador de síntomas

¿Inseguro sobre mezclar medicamentos?

Verifica posibles interacciones entre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos antes de tomarlos juntos.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is hepatic encephalitis and why is rifaximin prescribed for it?

Hepatic encephalitis is a problem that can occur in people with liver disease, causing symptoms such as confusion, personality changes, and altered alertness. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that works within the gastrointestinal system to help prevent these episodes.

Why is it important to tell my doctor about other medicines I am taking?

It's important to inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription, herbal remedies, and complementary medicines. This is because some medicines are not suitable to be taken together or may require extra care, to avoid potential interactions or complications with rifaximin.

Can I take rifaximin with or without food?

It doesn't matter whether you take your dose of rifaximin before or after food. You should swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose of rifaximin?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next dose when you remember, then you should skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses at once to compensate for a forgotten one.

How long will I need to keep taking rifaximin?

You should continue to take rifaximin for as long as your doctor advises. Stopping the medication earlier than instructed could lead to your symptoms returning.

Is it normal for rifaximin to change the colour of my urine?

Yes, the tablets may cause your urine to appear pink. This is a harmless side effect.

What should I do if my side effects don't go away or become bothersome?

While many common side effects like feeling sick, tummy discomfort, or dizziness often improve as your body adjusts, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue, become troublesome, or if you experience any other symptoms you think might be due to the tablets.

Lecturas adicionales y referencias

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About the authorView full bio

Author image

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.

About the reviewer

Author image

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.

Historial del artículo

La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.

  • Próxima revisión: 18 de septiembre de 2026
  • 19 Sept 2023 | Última versión

    Última actualización por

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revisado por pares por

    Sid Dajani
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