Metronidazole+rifaximin
About Metronidazole+rifaximin
Metronidazole+rifaximin is a prescription tablet used to treat bacterial infections of the digestive tract, including infectious diarrhoea in adults. It helps target the specific bacteria causing inflammation and irritation in your gut, restoring digestive balance. This medicine is designed specifically to treat infections and should not be used for general digestive discomfort.
For the best results, take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken at regular intervals to maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body. You can take it with or without food, but being consistent with your daily schedule is important. Making temporary dietary adjustments, such as eating bland foods, can also support your recovery.
While taking it, you may experience some mild side effects like nausea or a temporary change in taste. However, if you develop severe watery diarrhoea, a high fever, or signs of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor immediately. Do not start taking other anti-diarrheal medicines without medical advice.
Before starting this medication, talk to your doctor if you have a history of liver damage or nerve problems. Do not take this if you are allergic to any of the active ingredients in the tablet. It is important to disclose your full medical history to ensure this treatment is safe for you.
This medicine can interact with alcohol, causing severe side effects like rapid heart rate and vomiting. You must avoid drinking alcohol during your treatment and for a few days after finishing it. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, consult your healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits before starting it.
Uses of Metronidazole+rifaximin
Medicinal Benefits
When taken consistently as directed, this medicine may provide the following health benefits:
- Faster gut recovery: By targeting the root cause of the infection, this medicine helps your digestive tract return to normal function more quickly.
- Relief from cramping and bloating: Clearing the infection reduces gut inflammation, helping to calm painful stomach spasms and excess gas.
- Targeted action: The combination works both locally in the intestines and throughout the body to ensure comprehensive clearance of harmful gut microbes.
Directions for Use
- Metronidazole+rifaximin can be taken with or without food.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Swallow Metronidazole+rifaximin as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Metronidazole+rifaximin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or mild upset stomach
- An unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth
- Headache
- Darker or reddish-brown urine (this is harmless and will go away)
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Severe, watery diarrhoea that does not stop, which may be accompanied by stomach cramps and fever
- Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your hands or feet
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, swelling of your face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing
- Stiff neck, confusion, dizziness, or extreme sensitivity to bright light
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Avoid alcohol: Do not consume alcohol, including alcohol-containing products such as certain cough syrups, while taking this medicine and for 72 hours after completing treatment.
- Complete your treatment: Finish the full prescribed course of medicine, even if you start feeling better before the medicine is finished.
- Avoid anti-diarrheal medicines without advice: Do not take anti-diarrheal medicines without consulting your doctor, especially if you have fever or bloody stools.
- Report nerve-related symptoms: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop new or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs.
- Inform your doctor about other medicines: Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking before starting treatment to help prevent harmful drug interactions.
Drug Interactions
- Blood thinners (like warfarin): This medicine may increase the effects of blood thinners, raising your risk of bleeding.
- Seizure medications (like phenytoin): Taking these alongside this medicine can affect how your body processes the drug, potentially reducing its effectiveness or increasing side effects.
- Lithium: Metronidazole may increase lithium levels in the blood, which can increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Your doctor may monitor lithium levels and kidney function if both medicines are used together.
- Disulfiram: Do not use metronidazole with disulfiram or within 2 weeks of stopping it, as it may cause serious mental or behavioural reactions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol with Metronidazole+rifaximin, as it may lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, flushing, and headache. Please consult your doctor before drinking alcohol while using Metronidazole+rifaximin.
Pregnancy
unsafeMetronidazole+rifaximin should not be taken if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. If you become pregnant while taking Metronidazole+rifaximin, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately. Metronidazole should not be given in the first trimester of pregnancy as it may cause harm to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited information is available on the use of Metronidazole+rifaximin in breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Metronidazole+rifaximin.
Driving
cautionMetronidazole+rifaximin may cause dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel dizzy after taking Metronidazole+rifaximin.
Liver
consult your doctorNo dose adjustment of Metronidazole+rifaximin is needed for patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
cautionMetronidazole+rifaximin should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease or conditions. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose accordingly.
Children
cautionIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Metronidazole+rifaximin for children, please consult a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions, to replace water lost from diarrhoea.
- Eat bland foods: Stick to easy-to-digest foods like bananas, white rice, applesauce, and toast while your gut is recovering.
- Avoid irritants: Stay away from dairy products, high-fat foods, highly sweetened items, and caffeine, as these can trigger bowel movements and worsen diarrhoea.
- Avoid alcohol completely: Do not consume alcohol during your treatment and for at least 3 days after your last dose to prevent severe nausea and vomiting.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Traveller’s Diarrhea:Traveler's diarrhoea is a disorder characterized by frequent loose or watery faeces, which are often caused by consuming contaminated food or water while travelling. It is frequently caused by bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), but viruses or parasites can also cause it.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common digestive disorder characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.
FAQs
Metronidazole+rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract, such as traveller's diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome.
Metronidazole+rifaximin is a combination of Metronidazole and Rifaximin. Metronidazole is an antimicrobial agent that kills bacteria and protozoa by disrupting their DNA. Rifaximin is a non-absorbable antibiotic that works directly in the gut to inhibit bacterial growth. Together, they help relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and promote intestinal health.
Consult your doctor before taking Metronidazole+rifaximin with other antibiotics to avoid drug interactions.
Drinking alcohol while taking Metronidazole+rifaximin may cause an unpleasant reaction, including symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, flushing, and headache. Therefore, it is essential to avoid alcohol during treatment with Metronidazole+rifaximin.
Taking higher amounts than prescribed is ineffective and may result in negative effects. To ensure safe and effective use, follow your doctor's dosage instructions.
Common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, metallic taste, and diarrhea. If these side effects persist or worsen, seek immediate medical attention.
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at the same time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you miss multiple doses.
This medicine can cause your urine to turn a darker, reddish-brown colour. This is a common, harmless side effect of the medicine and will go away once your treatment is finished. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
No, you must finish the entire course prescribed by your doctor. Stopping early can allow the remaining bacteria to multiply, causing the infection to return and become harder to treat. Talk to your doctor before stopping.
You should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor to evaluate your options safely.
Yes, an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth is a common and temporary side effect of this medicine. It typically goes away shortly after you complete your treatment course. Talk to your doctor if it becomes bothersome.
You can take this medicine with or without food. However, if you find that it upsets your stomach, taking it with a meal can help reduce nausea or discomfort. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
If you develop severe, watery diarrhoea with stomach cramps and a fever, contact your doctor immediately. Do not take over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications without professional advice, as they can make the infection worse. Talk to your doctor right away.
