Refagut 400 mg

Refagut 400 mg (Rifaximin) Tablets

Refagut 400 mg is a prescription medicine that contains Rifaximin as the active ingredient. Doctors usually prescribe it for certain infections in the stomach and intestines. It is an antibiotic, but unlike many common antibiotics, it stays mostly in the gut instead of spreading all over the body. That’s why it is especially useful for digestive system problems.

What is Refagut 400 mg?

Each tablet of Refagut contains 400 mg of Rifaximin. It belongs to a group of antibiotics called rifamycin derivatives. In simple words, it works by stopping bacteria from multiplying. Without growth, the bacteria die, and the infection starts to improve.

One of the unique things about Rifaximin is that it’s poorly absorbed in the blood. That means it stays in the intestine, where it is needed the most, and does its job without spreading everywhere.

How Does Refagut 400 mg Work?

When harmful bacteria enter the gut, they grow rapidly and disturb the natural balance of the digestive system. This can cause diarrhea, bloating, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Rifaximin, the main drug in Refagut, attacks the bacteria directly in the intestine. It blocks the enzymes that bacteria need to make proteins. Without proteins, bacteria can’t survive. Slowly, the infection is controlled, and symptoms like diarrhea start to settle down.

Because it works only in the gut, side effects on other organs are usually less compared to antibiotics that spread through the whole body.

Uses of Refagut 400 mg

Doctors prescribe Refagut 400 mg for:

• Traveler’s diarrhea – sudden diarrhea caused by bacteria in food or water.

• Hepatic encephalopathy – a condition in liver disease where toxins build up and affect the brain. Rifaximin helps reduce the bacteria that make these toxins.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea – in some patients, it helps reduce symptoms.

• Other gut infections – sometimes prescribed for other intestinal bacterial problems.

Dosage and Administration

• Form: Tablet

• Strength: 400 mg of Rifaximin per tablet

• How to take: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

• With food or without: It can be taken either way, but follow your doctor’s instructions.

• Typical dosage: Depends on the condition. For traveler’s diarrhea, it may be taken 3 times a day for 3 days. For hepatic encephalopathy, it is often given long term, twice a day.

Note: The exact dose and duration should always be decided by the doctor. Do not stop the medicine early, even if you feel better.

Side Effects

Most patients tolerate Refagut well, but like all medicines, it may cause side effects.

Common side effects

• Headache

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Stomach pain

• Feeling tired

Less common but serious side effects

• Severe diarrhea (sometimes due to overgrowth of resistant bacteria)

• Allergic reactions like rash, itching, swelling

• Dizziness or difficulty breathing (rare, but serious)

If you experience any severe reaction, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Precautions

• Not recommended for patients with severe liver disease unless advised by the doctor.

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to rifamycin antibiotics.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use it only if clearly needed and prescribed.

• Do not take more than the prescribed dose.

• If your symptoms do not improve in a few days, consult your doctor.

Storage

• Store at room temperature.

• Keep in a dry place, away from moisture and sunlight.

• Keep tablets out of reach of children.

Related Products

Other medicines with Rifaximin or similar use include:

• Refagut 200 mg (Rifaximin)

• Xifaxan 550 mg (Rifaximin, another brand)

• Normix 400 mg (Rifaximin)

• Metrogyl 400 mg (Metronidazole – another antibiotic for gut infections)

• Ciplox 500 mg (Ciprofloxacin – broad spectrum antibiotic)

FAQs about Refagut 400 mg

1. What is Refagut 400 mg used for?
It is used for traveler’s diarrhea, hepatic encephalopathy, and sometimes for IBS with diarrhea.

2. How should I take it?
Swallow it whole with water, exactly as prescribed.

3. Can I take it with food?
Yes, it can be taken with or without food.

4. What if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.

5. Can I use it for viral diarrhea?
No, it only works for bacterial infections, not viral ones.

6. Is it safe during pregnancy?
Use only if prescribed by your doctor.

7. Will it interact with other medicines?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including supplements.

8. Does it cure IBS completely?
It may reduce symptoms, but IBS can come back.

9. How long does it take to work?
For traveler’s diarrhea, symptoms usually improve within 1–3 days.

10. Can I drink alcohol while taking Refagut?
It’s best to avoid alcohol during treatment.