Rifaximin: uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

Rifaximin is a gut-acting antibiotic for travellers’ diarrhoea, IBS-D and liver-related brain fog. It belongs to the Laxative & bowel (IBD) medicine group. These relieve constipation or treat inflammatory bowel disease.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Laxative & bowel (IBD) medicine
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Treats travellers' diarrhoea caused by non-invasive gut bacteria
Helps prevent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (confusion from liver disease)
Used for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D)
Sometimes used for bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel

Common brand names

India: Rifagut, Ciboz, Xifaxan
Worldwide: Xifaxan

Common side effects

Bloating or wind
Nausea
Dizziness
Headache

Before taking it — precautions

Not for diarrhoea with fever or blood in the stool
Tell your doctor about severe liver disease and other medicines you take
Ask before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding

When to see a doctor urgently

Severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea during or after treatment (urgent)
Fever with bloody stools
Allergic reaction with swelling or breathing trouble (urgent)

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of rifaximin depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

Why does rifaximin act only in the gut?

Very little is absorbed into the blood, so it works mainly inside the intestine.

Is it the same as rifampicin?

No. They are related, but rifaximin stays in the gut while rifampicin is absorbed and used for TB and other infections.

Why is it used in liver disease?

It reduces gut bacteria that make toxins which can cause confusion in people with severe liver disease.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.