Traveler's Diarrhea: Assess frequency and consistency of stools and bowel sounds prior to and during therapy.
Assess fluid and electrolyte balance and skin turgor for dehydration.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: Assess mental status periodically during therapy.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea: Assess frequency and consistency of stools and other irritable bowel syndrome symptoms (bloating, cramping) daily.
Monitor bowel function. Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and bloody stools should be reported to health care professional promptly as a sign of CDAD. May begin up to several wk following cessation of therapy.
Lab Test Considerations:
May cause lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and neutropenia.
Instruct patient to take rifaximin as directed and to complete therapy, even if feeling better. Caution patient to stop taking rifaximin if diarrhea symptoms get worse, persist more than 24–48 hr, or are accompanied by fever or blood in the stool. Consult health care professional if these occur. Advise patient not to treat diarrhea without consulting health care professional. May occur up to several wk after discontinuation of medication.
May cause dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
Rep: Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.