Hepaximin 200 mg

Description

Indications
Hepaximin is indicated for the following conditions:

• Treatment of traveler’s diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of E. coli
• Reduction in the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy
• Management of bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome

Take this medication as advised by a registered healthcare professional.

Pharmacology
Rifaximin, the active ingredient in Hepaximin, is a semisynthetic, rifamycin-based antibiotic that acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract. It is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, similar to other orally administered non-systemic antibiotics. Rifaximin works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis, targeting the beta-subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It exhibits broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, effective against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative, as well as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Dosage & Administration

• Traveler’s Diarrhea: For patients aged 12 years and older, the recommended dose is 200 mg three times daily for 3 days.
• Hepatic Encephalopathy: For patients aged 18 years and older, the recommended dose is 550 mg twice daily.
• Bacterial Overgrowth in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The usual dose is 400 mg three times daily for 10 days or 550 mg three times daily for 14 days. Hepaximin can be taken with or without food.

Take this medication as advised by a registered healthcare professional.

Interactions
In vitro studies have suggested that Hepaximin may induce the CYP3A4 enzyme. However, when used at the recommended dose in patients with normal liver function, Hepaximin is not expected to induce CYP3A4 significantly.

Contraindications
Hepaximin is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to Rifaximin, any other rifamycin-class antimicrobial agents, or any other components of this medication.

Side Effects
Common side effects may include flatulence, headache, abdominal pain, rectal tenesmus (feeling of incomplete evacuation), urgency to defecate, nausea, constipation, fever, and vomiting. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, and exfoliative dermatitis have been reported.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Hepaximin is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether Rifaximin is excreted in human milk. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using this medication.

Precautions & Warnings

• Hepaximin is not effective for diarrhea associated with fever and/or blood in the stool. If diarrhea worsens or persists for more than 24–48 hours, discontinuing Hepaximin and considering alternative antibiotic therapy is recommended.
• Pseudomembranous colitis, a severe condition of the colon, has been linked with nearly all antibacterial agents. It can range from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, if patients develop diarrhea after taking Hepaximin, this condition should be considered.
• Use in Special Populations
  • Renal Impairment: The effects of Hepaximin in patients with impaired renal function have not been studied.
  • Hepatic Impairment: Systemic exposure to Hepaximin is significantly higher in patients with liver impairment compared to healthy individuals.

Overdose Effects
There is no specific treatment available for an overdose of Hepaximin. In case of overdose, the medication should be discontinued immediately. Symptomatic treatment and supportive measures should be provided as necessary.

Therapeutic Class
4-Quinolone preparations

Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.