Rifamycin is used in adults to treat traveler's diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Rifamycin is not for use in treating diarrhea with fever or blood in the stools, or diarrhea that is not caused by E. coli.

Rifamycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Rifamycin is usually taken twice daily for 3 days in a row. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Take rifamycin with a full glass of water.

You may take rifamycin with or without food. Do not take with alcohol.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 48 hours, or if your diarrhea gets worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Traveler's Diarrhea:

388 mg orally 2 times a day
-Duration of therapy: 3 days

Comments:
-Doses should be taken in the morning and evening, and each dose should be taken with 6 to 8 ounces of liquid.
-Alcohol should not be taken concomitantly.

Use: Treatment of travelers' diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli

You should not use rifamycin if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a fever; or

• blood in your stools.

Rifamycin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to an antibiotic or other medicine to treat or prevent infection.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Do not drink alcohol while taking rifamycin.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Rifamycin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain; or

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Common side effects of rifamycin may include:

• constipation; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect rifamycin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.