Rifaximin

Gut antibiotic
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Rifaximin is a gut antibiotic found in 10 medicines sold in India, such as Rifagut 550, Nordys-550, Rifguard 550. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats travellers' diarrhoea and some gut conditions; helps prevent confusion in liver disease.

How it works

An antibiotic that stays in the gut; used for travellers' diarrhoea, IBS with diarrhoea and to prevent confusion in liver disease.

How to take it

Usually 200 to 550 mg two or three times a day as prescribed.

Common side effects

  • Wind
  • Nausea
  • Bloating

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Allergic reaction

Be careful

Acts mainly inside the gut; take as prescribed.

Other medicines and interactions

Can affect warfarin. Ciclosporin raises its level.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy; ask about breastfeeding.

Brands of Rifaximin (10)

Nordys-550Rcifax 550Rifagut 550Rifakem-550Rifaxigress-550Rifguard 550Rixmin-550Sibofix-550Torfix 550Zimigut 550

Common questions

What is Rifaximin used for?

Treats travellers' diarrhoea and some gut conditions; helps prevent confusion in liver disease.

How does Rifaximin work?

An antibiotic that stays in the gut; used for travellers' diarrhoea, IBS with diarrhoea and to prevent confusion in liver disease.

How should I take Rifaximin?

Usually 200 to 550 mg two or three times a day as prescribed.

What are the side effects of Rifaximin?

Common: Wind, nausea, bloating. Get help straight away for: Severe diarrhoea, allergic reaction.

Does Rifaximin interact with other medicines?

Can affect warfarin. Ciclosporin raises its level.

Is Rifaximin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Avoid in pregnancy; ask about breastfeeding.

Does Rifaximin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Rifaximin?

Nordys-550, Rcifax 550, Rifagut 550, Rifakem-550, Rifaxigress-550, Rifguard 550, Rixmin-550, Sibofix-550, Torfix 550, Zimigut 550.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.