Rifaximin Side Effects

Please note - some side effects for Rifaximin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Rifaximin - for the Consumer

Rifaximin

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rifaximin:

Constipation; gas; headache; nausea; sensations of needing to empty the bowel; stomach pain; urgent bowel movements; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty swallowing or breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; flushing); bloody stools; chest pain; fainting; severe diarrhea.

Side Effects by Body System

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included flatulence (11.3%), abdominal pain (7.2%), rectal tenesmus (7.2%), defecation urgency (5.9%), nausea (5.3%), constipation (3.8%), and vomiting (2.2%). Abdominal distension, diarrhea, blood in stool, dry throat, dysentery, fecal abnormality, gingival disorder, inguinal hernia, dry lips, and stomach discomfort have been reported by less than 2% of patients in placebo-controlled studies. Bad taste in mouth and straining have also been reported.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache (9.7%). Abnormal dreams, dizziness, migraine, syncope, loss of taste have been reported by less than 2% of patients that participated in placebo-controlled studies.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects reported during the postmarketing period have included exfoliative dermatitis, rash, angioneurotic edema (swelling of face and tongue and difficulty swallowing), urticaria, pruritus, and flushing and have occurred within 15 minutes of rifaximin administration.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included clamminess, rash, sunburn, and increased sweating.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included arthralgia, fatigue, malaise, muscle spasms, myalgia, neck pain, and weakness.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects have included lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and neutropenia

Other

Other side effects have included pyrexia (3.1%). Ear pain, motion sickness, tinnitus, chest pain, increased aspartate aminotransferase, decrease in weight, and hot flashes have been reported by less than 2% of patients that participated in placebo-controlled studies.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal passage irritation, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain, rhinitis, and rhinorrhea.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included anorexia and dehydration.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included insomnia.

Renal

Renal side effects have included choluria, dysuria, hematuria, polyuria, proteinuria, urinary frequency, and blood in urine.

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