Has your doctor given you Xifaxan to treat your health? Since Xifaxan is an antibiotic, you must stay away from several foods when taking it. There is a list of entire foods that can aid in better drug absorption as well. This is why it’s crucial to have a detailed list of food to avoid while taking Xifaxan.
What is Xifaxan?
The antibiotic Xifaxan only combats bacterial infections in the intestines. E Coli-related traveler’s diarrhea is treated with Xifaxan in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. The majority of cases of this infection are caused by consuming food or beverages that have been tainted with E. coli bacteria. Diarrhea the primary symptom of irritable bowel syndrome is also treated through Xifaxan. Adults with liver failure may also take Xifaxan to reduce their risk of cognitive loss. When the liver stops functioning and is unable to eliminate hazardous compounds from the body, brain function maybe impacted.
Salix Pharmaceuticals’ Xifaxan is a prescription medication with FDA approval. Rifaximin is the substance that makes Xifaxam active. Rifaximin belongs to a group of pharmaceuticals known as antibiotics (antibacterial drugs), which attack intestinal bacteria. They are available as oral tablets that can be taken with or without food.
Xifaxan requires that the recommended dose regimen be followed. Missing doses of this medication increase the likelihood that germs will develop drug resistance while also decreasing the efficiency of antibiotic treatment. Take this medication soon after, if you think you have missed any dose. Never combine two dosages into one. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missing one.
Side Effects of Xifaxam
Xifaxan can cause some serious health problems as well like,
- Trouble breathing
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach pain, etc
- A few other side effects also include,
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Gas
- Dizziness
What are the foods to avoid while taking Xifaxan?
People having Xifaxan should avoid a couple of foods like the following:
- Milk: people who are lactose intolerant may experience gas and bloat after consuming milk and other lactose-intolerant foods such as cheese and ice-cream. Worldwide, over 70% of lactase, a digestive enzyme that aids in the breakdown of milk’s sugar, is not significantly produced by adults. Because lactose cannot be absorbed by the small intestine, it enters the colon where it is fermented by microorganisms and produces gas. Despite the fact that dairy products are frequently the primary cause of discomfort for certain IBS sufferers, yoghurt stands out as an exception. Yogurt’s living cultures break down lactose, reducing the likelihood of gastric discomfort.
- Caffeine: Diarrhea, a significant IBS symptom, can be made worse by caffeine. Coffee, tea, cola beverages, chocolate, and several over-the-counter painkillers meant to ease headaches are high sources of caffeine; carefully read labels.
- Carbonated beverages: Stick to drinking water and lactose-free milk to fulfill your thirst because the bubbles in drinks like soda and seltzer can have a similar fizzy effect on the GI tract. And before you consider adding juice to that list, keep in mind that fruit-based beverages usually include high levels of sugar.
- Fructose foods: Excess fructose Processed foods, commercially made candies, snacks, and soft drinks all contain corn syrup as their principal ingredient, which can make IBS symptoms worse. But they are not the only ones at fault (or bloated). It turns out that several extremely healthy foods, such as apples, pears, and dried fruits, naturally contain a lot of fructose, which when consumed can have some of the similar detrimental effects as improperly digested lactose. Fruits with reduced sugar content, such as berries, citrus fruits, and bananas, may be better for those with IBS. .
- Chewing gum: Many sugar-free gums are produced with sorbitol and xylitol, two artificial sweeteners that have been linked to diarrhea. Additionally, chewing gum causes gas and more air to be ingested.
People with travelers’ diarrhea should avoid:
- Unwashed or unpeeled vegetables and fruits
- Leafy greens in their raw state, such as lettuce, spinach, and cabbage
- Uncooked shellfish
- Raw meat
Usage of Xifaxan
Follow the instructions on the label for Xifaxan (Rifaximin) exactly, or use it as your doctor has advised. Never take a drug for longer or for less time than is advised. Read all medication instructions and directions for use, and always abide by the advice on medication labels. Follow the medication’s instructions exactly. Rifaximin can be consumed with or without food as well. Rifaximin is often given for just three days to treat travelers’ diarrhea. Rifaximin is often given for two weeks at a time to treat IBS. Carefully adhere to your doctor’s dose recommendations. Even if your symptoms vanish quickly, use this medication for the full suggested time. Missing doses can raise your risk of getting an infection that is treatment resistant.
What are the best foods to eat while having Xifaxan?
There are no particular foods that you must consume while taking Xifaxan, but those who have SIBO or IBS are advised to adhere to a diet that consists of:
- Fish and meat eggs
- Several pieces of cheeses, including feta, cheddar, and brie
- Nutella milk
- Grains such as quinoa, oats, rice, and cornmeal
- Vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes
- Oranges, grapes, bananas, blueberries, kiwis, strawberries, and pineapple, among other fruits
- Medium and firm tofu
- Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds
Precautions for taking Xifaxan
Your doctor must monitor your or your child’s development to see whether the medication is doing its job. This will enable your doctor to determine if you or your child needs to keep taking it. If diarrhea persists after one or two days, if you or your kid experiences a fever, or if you notice blood in your stool, call your doctor straight once. If the body loses too much fluid from diarrhea, a person could get dehydrated. While experiencing diarrhea, make sure you or your child drinks lots of fluids. If you or your kid experience more than one of the following symptoms, consult a medical professional straight away: reduced urination, wooziness, and dry mouth.
Alternate medicines for Xifaxan
- Rifamycin Antibiotic
Easy recipes to enjoy while taking Xifaxan
- Barley soup
Ingredients: 1tbsp barley powder, 1tbsp skimmed milk, 1 tbsp cooked palak, 1 tbsp cooked potato, ½ tsp salt, 1 ½ cups water.
Preparation: Cook the barley powder mixture by adding water. Palak, potatoes, and skim milk powder combined with water and salt are cooked together. Add this to the cooked barley once it has boiled. Mix well, then warmly serve.