Rifaximan

Question 1

Rifaximan

Answer 1

Pharmacologic Class: Semisynthetic Rifamycin

Therapeutic Class: Antimycobacterial

Question 2

Action

Answer 2

Inhibits bacterial and mycobacterial RNA synthesis by binding to DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Blocking RNA transcription.

Question 3

Use

Answer 3

Treat TB caused by all strains of mycobacterium TB

Eliminate meningococci from nasopharynx of asymptomatic carriers of Neisseria meningitidis

Question 4

Complications

Answer 4

Hypotension

Chest Pain

Myopathy

Hepatotoxicity

Hypoglycemia

Hepatitis

Renal Insufficiency

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Acute Bronchospasm

Question 5

Contraindications/Precautions

Answer 5

Concurrent use of atazanavir, darunavir, (antiretroviral protease inhibitors ending in AVIR)

Hypersensitive to rifaximan or its components

Question 6

Interactions

Answer 6

Antacids

Warfarin

Beta-Blocker / Calcium Channel Blocker

Digoxin

Hepatitis C Antiviral

Immunosuppressants

Ondansetron

Theophylline

Question 7

Dose

Answer 7

10mg/kg/day

MAX: 600mg/day

Question 8

Client Education

Answer 8

Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Take with a full glass of water.

Take exactly as prescribed. Do not crush or chew.

May discolor feces, saliva, skin, sputum, sweat, tears, teeth, urine a reddish orange or yellow.

Teeth discoloration may be permanent.