Rifaximin 550 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Hepatic encephalopathy – preventing confusion and drowsiness caused by toxins building up in liver cirrhosis; Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D) – a short course to reduce bloating and loose stools.
Listed MRPs range from ₹15.94 to ₹68.29 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rifaximin Tablets 550 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹159.38 | ₹15.94 | 19 October 2026 |
| Rifakem 550 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹495.90 | ₹49.59 | 19 October 2026 |
| Torfix 550 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹527.80 | ₹52.78 | 19 October 2026 |
| Rifagut 550 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹581.00 | ₹58.10 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ciboz 550 | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹595.03 | ₹59.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zimigut 550 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹596.00 | ₹59.60 | 19 October 2026 |
| Rixmin 550 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹612.55 | ₹61.25 | 19 October 2026 |
| Rcifax 550 | Lupin Ltd | 10 | ₹665.10 | ₹66.51 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sibofix 550 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 10 | ₹682.93 | ₹68.29 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Hepatic encephalopathy – preventing confusion and drowsiness caused by toxins building up in liver cirrhosis.
- Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D) – a short course to reduce bloating and loose stools.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
- Travellers' diarrhoea caused by E. coli (non-bloody, without fever).
How to take it
Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food, at the same times each day. For hepatic encephalopathy the usual dose is one 550 mg tablet twice a day, taken long-term along with lactulose – do not stop it on your own even if you feel well, as the confusion can return. For IBS-D or SIBO, doctors usually prescribe a 14-day course; for travellers' diarrhoea a 3-day course. Rifaximin stays in the gut and very little is absorbed, which is why it is well tolerated. See a doctor if diarrhoea becomes bloody or comes with fever, or if confusion, drowsiness or a flapping tremor appears in someone with liver disease.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, bloating, stomach pain.
- Dizziness or tiredness.
- Headache.
- Swelling of the ankles (in liver patients).
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea with cramps and fever, even up to 2 months after – possible C. difficile infection; see a doctor.
- Allergic reaction – rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Worsening confusion or drowsiness in liver disease – needs urgent review.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol completely if you have liver disease. In others, alcohol does not interact directly but worsens diarrhoea.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding; it is used only when the benefit outweighs the risk.
Kidney problems
No dose change is usually needed; tell your doctor about kidney disease.
Liver problems
It is used in liver disease, but in severe cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) more of the drug may be absorbed and your doctor will monitor you.
Children
Not routinely used under 12 for these indications; only under a specialist.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not double up.
Interactions
- Ciclosporin – raises rifaximin blood levels; tell your doctor.
- Warfarin – INR can change when starting or stopping rifaximin; get it checked.
- Lactulose – commonly combined for hepatic encephalopathy; this is intended.
- Other antibiotics and anti-diarrhoeal drugs like loperamide – ask your doctor; loperamide should not be used if there is fever or blood in stool.
- Oral contraceptives – no significant interaction is expected, unlike rifampicin, but mention it to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rifagut 550 used for?
Rifagut contains rifaximin 550 mg, an antibiotic that works only inside the gut. It is prescribed mainly to prevent hepatic encephalopathy (confusion due to liver cirrhosis), and also for IBS with diarrhoea, SIBO and travellers' diarrhoea.
How long do I need to take Rifagut 550 for liver disease?
Long-term, usually one tablet twice a day along with lactulose, for as long as your liver specialist advises. It prevents episodes of confusion rather than curing the liver, so stopping it brings the risk back. Do not stop without asking your doctor.
Rifagut vs Rcifax – is there a difference?
Both are rifaximin 550 mg tablets; Rifagut is from Sun Pharma and Rcifax from Lupin. They work the same way and either can be used as prescribed. Do not switch brands or doses on your own.
Is rifaximin the same as rifampicin?
No. They are related molecules, but rifaximin is barely absorbed and acts only in the gut, so it does not cause the red-orange urine, liver effects or contraceptive-pill failure that rifampicin (a TB medicine) is known for. Do not use one in place of the other.
Can Rifagut 550 be taken for IBS?
Yes, rifaximin is used for IBS with diarrhoea and bloating, usually as a 14-day course. It helps many but not all patients, and symptoms can return; your gastroenterologist may repeat the course. It is not for IBS with constipation.
Does rifaximin cause side effects like other antibiotics?
It is generally gentle because very little reaches the bloodstream. Nausea, bloating and headache are the most common. Rarely it can cause the gut infection C. difficile – severe watery or bloody diarrhoea with fever needs urgent attention.
Can I take Rifagut with lactulose?
Yes – for hepatic encephalopathy they are deliberately combined. Lactulose reduces ammonia-producing bacteria and clears the bowels; rifaximin reduces the bacteria further. Adjust the lactulose dose to 2 to 3 soft stools a day as your doctor advises.
Is Rifagut 550 safe in pregnancy?
Only if your doctor decides it is clearly necessary. Little is absorbed, but data in pregnancy are limited. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is rifaximin available at Jan Aushadhi stores?
Rifaximin 550 mg is listed in the Jan Aushadhi product list at a much lower price than branded tablets. It is a Schedule H medicine, so carry your prescription; check the strength on the strip matches your prescription.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Rifaximin (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms