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Side Effects Of Linzess: What You Need To Know

Linzess (linaclotide) is a prescription capsule that's used to treat certain types of digestive system problems. Linzess can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Linzess is used to treat:

irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adults

chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), which is constipation without a known cause, in adults

functional constipation (FC), a form of childhood constipation with no clear medical cause, in some children

The active ingredient in Linzess capsules is linaclotide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Linzess can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Linzess treatment. Examples of common side effects in people using Linzess for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) include:

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Linzess in studies. Some side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Linzess include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Linzess unless your doctor recommends it.

Linzess may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Linzess prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you'd like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Linzess, visit MedWatch.

Serious side effects may occur in people taking Linzess. These may include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking Linzess, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the "Side effects explained" section below.† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Linzess. But this side effect wasn't reported in studies.

Linzess may cause some side effects in children that differ from those experienced by adults.

In studies, nausea and abdominal discomfort were reported in children who took Linzess. These side effects were not reported in studies of adults taking the drug.

To find out more about what side effects your child may have with Linzess treatment, talk with their doctor.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about side effects of Linzess.

Does Linzess cause weight gain or weight loss?

No, Linzess doesn't cause weight gain or weight loss. But it can cause diarrhea, which in some cases may lead to weight loss. On the other hand, Linzess may cause bloating, which could lead to weight gain.

Some people who have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) may experience weight gain or weight loss related to their condition.

For example, some people with IBS-C may have trouble digesting certain foods or absorbing nutrients. This may lead to weight loss.

If you're concerned about changes in your weight while taking Linzess, talk with your doctor.

When do side effects from Linzess go away?

How long side effects of Linzess last may depend on several factors, including which side effect you have and how your body responds to Linzess.

Diarrhea is the most common side effect of Linzess. In one study, diarrhea lessened within 1 week for some people taking Linzess. But how long diarrhea or other side effects last for you can vary.

If you experience side effects from Linzess that are bothersome or don't go away, talk with your doctor.

Does Linzess cause fatigue?

No, Linzess doesn't cause fatigue (low energy). This wasn't a side effect seen in studies of Linzess. But it's possible that other medications used to treat IBS-C or chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) may cause fatigue. Examples of these drugs include Amitiza (lubiprostone) and Motegrity (prucalopride).

If you experience fatigue while taking Linzess or other drugs for your condition, talk with your doctor.

Do side effects of Linzess vary depending on the strength (72 mcg, 145 mcg, or 290 mcg)?

In some cases, yes. For example, diarrhea was the most commonly reported side effect in studies of Linzess. The risk of having this side effect was higher in people who took 290 micrograms (mcg) of Linzess per day than in those who took lower doses.

Also, certain side effects, such as viral gut infections and headache, were only reported in people taking a daily dosage of 290 mcg.

If you have bothersome side effects from Linzess, talk with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage to help relieve your side effects.

Does Linzess cause hair loss?

No, hair loss is not a side effect of Linzess. But some people may experience hair loss related to IBS-C, which Linzess treats.

If you're concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor.

Could I experience depression during my Linzess treatment?

No, Linzess isn't known to cause depression. This wasn't reported as a side effect in people taking Linzess in studies.

Other medications used to treat IBS-C or CIC may cause mood changes, including depression. Examples of these other drugs include Amitiza (lubiprostone) and Motegrity (prucalopride).

Also, it's possible that IBS-C may raise your risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mood-related conditions.

If you experience mood changes such as depression, talk with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects Linzess may cause.

Diarrhea

Some people taking Linzess may experience diarrhea. This was the most common side effect reported in studies of people taking Linzess. In most cases, diarrhea began within the first 2 weeks of starting Linzess treatment.

Symptoms of diarrhea include:

loose or watery stools

abdominal cramping or pain

bloating

In some cases, diarrhea can be severe. Symptoms of severe diarrhea may include fever, severe abdominal pain, and bloody or dark stools. You have a higher risk of severe diarrhea from Linzess if you take higher doses.

Severe diarrhea may lead to dehydration. Tell your doctor right away if you think you might be dehydrated due to diarrhea. Severe dehydration is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

dizziness

dry mouth

fatigue (low energy)

headache

increased thirst

lightheadedness

What might help

If you have symptoms of severe diarrhea, stop taking Linzess and call your doctor right away. They may adjust your Linzess dosage or have you switch to a different treatment.

If you have mild diarrhea while taking Linzess, staying hydrated is important. You can do this by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and electrolyte replacement drinks.

Over-the-counter medications, such as Imodium A-D (loperamide), may help relieve your diarrhea. But be sure to first ask your doctor or pharmacist if Imodium A-D is safe for you to take.

Headache

Linzess may cause headache in some people. This was a common side effect reported in studies of people taking Linzess for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).

Headache was not reported in people taking Linzess for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) or functional constipation (FC).

What might help

Because headache may be a symptom of dehydration, drink plenty of fluids while you're taking Linzess. Let your doctor know if you also have diarrhea and symptoms of dehydration. (To learn more, see the "Diarrhea" section directly above.)

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may help relieve your headache. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).

Before taking OTC medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn whether such medications interact with other drugs you take or conditions you have.

Bloating

Bloating can occur during Linzess treatment. This was a side effect in studies of Linzess. With bloating, your abdomen is typically larger than usual, and you may have a feeling of fullness.

Bloating may be caused by a buildup of gas in the stomach and intestines.

What might help

Exercise and movement can sometimes help move your bowels and get rid of gas. This may help relieve bloating.

Some OTC medications, such as simethicone (Gas-X, Mylicon, Phazyme), can also help relieve gas.

If your boating is bothersome or causes excessive pain, talk with your doctor.

Upper respiratory infection

Linzess may cause upper respiratory infection (such as the common cold) in some people. In studies of Linzess, this was a common side effect reported in people taking Linzess to treat CIC. Upper respiratory infection wasn't reported in people taking Linzess for IBS-C or FC.

An upper respiratory infection may be caused by a virus or bacteria. Typically, it affects your nose, throat, sinuses, windpipe, or bronchi (the airways that connect your windpipe to your lungs).

Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection can include:

cough

headache

congestion or pressure in the nose

runny nose

sneezing

sore throat

What might help

Upper respiratory tract infections typically go away without antibiotics. But certain over-the-counter drugs may help relieve your symptoms.

For example, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra) can help relieve runny nose and sneezing. Antihistamines can also help relieve coughing caused by nasal drainage into your throat.

Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) may help relieve sinus congestion and pressure.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) may help relieve headache or sore throat.

Some of these medications come as combination products that treat multiple symptoms.

Before taking OTC medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help make sure the OTC drugs are safe for you to take and won't interact with your other medications.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can occur with Linzess treatment. In studies, GERD was a rare side effect reported in people taking Linzess to treat IBS-C. GERD wasn't reported in people taking Linzess to treat CIC or FC.

With GERD, the contents of your stomach go up into your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach). GERD is considered a severe form of acid reflux.

What might help

GERD may cause a burning sensation or pain in your chest. Certain OTC medications may help relieve these symptoms.

Antacids such as Tums (calcium carbonate) or Maalox (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide) can help relieve mild GERD symptoms. Acid reducers, such as Pepcid (famotidine) or Tagamet HB (cimetidine), may help decrease the amount of acid your stomach makes. And stronger medications, such as Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (esomeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole), can block your stomach from making acid.

Before taking OTC medications to relieve GERD symptoms, discuss all medications you take with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help make sure the OTC medications don't interact with other drugs you take.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Linzess can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This side effect wasn't reported in studies, but it was reported after the drug became available for use.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

skin rash

itchiness

flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet

swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

an OTC oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you've had a mild allergic reaction to Linzess, they'll decide whether you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you've had a serious allergic reaction to Linzess, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Linzess treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you're having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect

how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose

what your symptoms were

how it affected your daily activities

what other medications you were taking

any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Linzess affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Linzess comes with several warnings, including a boxed warning.

Boxed warning: Risk of serious dehydration in children younger than 2 years old

Linzess has a boxed warning for the risk of serious dehydration in children younger than 2 years old. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Linzess was not tested in children younger than 2 years. But it was tested in animal studies. These studies showed that Linzess raised the risk of dehydration due to severe diarrhea in young mice. In some cases, severe dehydration was fatal in these animals.

Linzess should not be used in children younger than 2 years old. It's important to note that Linzess is approved for use only in adults and children ages 6 years and older, depending on the condition being treated.

If you have questions about this warning, talk with your doctor.

Other warnings

Linzess may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether Linzess is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Linzess. The list below includes factors to consider.

Bowel blockage. Linzess can make your digestive tract move more quickly than usual. This can worsen a bowel blockage. Due to this risk, doctors may not prescribe Linzess if you have a bowel blockage. They'll discuss other treatment options that are right for you.

Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Linzess or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Linzess. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Alcohol and Linzess

It may be safe to drink alcohol during your Linzess treatment. But keep in mind that Linzess can cause headaches and diarrhea. In some cases, diarrhea may lead to dehydration. And drinking alcohol can worsen these side effects.

If you drink alcohol and have questions about alcohol use with Linzess, talk with your doctor. They can help determine how much alcohol may be safe for you to drink while taking this medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Linzess

It's not known whether it's safe to take Linzess during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before starting Linzess treatment. They'll let you know whether this drug is safe for you to take or discuss other treatment options with you.

It's not known whether Linzess is safe to take while breastfeeding. Linzess isn't thought to pass into breast milk. But it's not known whether Linzess affects your body's ability to produce breast milk.

If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Linzess.

As with most drugs, Linzess may cause side effects in some people. Some of the most common side effects of Linzess are mild and can be managed with over-the-counter treatments. Others can be more serious. If you have questions about your risk of certain side effects from Linzess, talk with your doctor.

Here are a few examples of questions to ask your doctor:

Based on my medical history and other factors, is Linzess safe for me to take?

Are there any long-term side effects of Linzess?

What are my options if Linzess doesn't work for me?

To learn more about Linzess, see these articles:

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline's newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It's a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Travel Sickness Tablet - Uses, Side Effects, And More

Before taking dimenhydrinate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to diphenhydramine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestine problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate).

This drug may make you drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Liquid products or chewable tablets may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Xifaxan Side Effects: What You Should Know

Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a brand-name tablet that's prescribed for certain conditions caused by bacterial infection in the intestines. As with other drugs, Xifaxan can cause side effects. These include headache and nausea.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xifaxan for:

Xifaxan belongs to a drug class called rifamycin antibiotics. The drug is not available in a generic version.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Xifaxan. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Mild side effects can occur with Xifaxan. These side effects may differ slightly depending on the condition being treated. This list doesn't include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Xifaxan's prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Xifaxan include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Xifaxan and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see "Side effect specifics" below.† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Xifaxan. However, this side effect wasn't reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.

Xifaxan may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Xifaxan's prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Xifaxan, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

* For more information about this side effect, see "Side effect specifics" below.† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Xifaxan. This side effect wasn't reported in clinical trials but has been reported since the drug was approved. To learn more, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.

Xifaxan may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug's side effects and their answers.

Can Xifaxan be prescribed for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth? If so, does taking the drug for this use cause certain side effects?

It's possible for a doctor to prescribe Xifaxan for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). However, this is an off-label use of the drug. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a use that's not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Xifaxan's side effects when taken for SIBO are likely similar to its side effects when taken for its approved uses. However, there are no clinical trials of the drug's side effects in people with SIBO. So it's not known whether Xifaxan may cause different side effects in people with this condition.

To find out more about taking Xifaxan for SIBO, talk with your doctor.

Will I experience certain side effects after stopping Xifaxan?

It's possible. Xifaxan can sometimes cause diarrhea related to Clostridioides difficile infection. This side effect can occur both during treatment and after you stop taking Xifaxan. In some cases, it can occur more than 2 months after stopping treatment.

If you have diarrhea after stopping treatment with Xifaxan, talk with your doctor as soon as possible. To read more about this side effect, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.

How long do side effects of Xifaxan typically last?

Xifaxan's side effects typically go away within a few days or weeks.

If you have any persistent or bothersome side effects, talk with your doctor.

Does Xifaxan cause weight gain?

No, Xifaxan is not likely to cause weight gain. Weight gain wasn't reported in clinical trials of the drug. However, Xifaxan may cause fluid buildup in some people. In turn, this can cause weight gain.

In clinical trials, peripheral edema and ascites were reported in some people who took Xifaxan for hepatic encephalopathy. Peripheral edema is fluid buildup that causes swelling in your hands, feet, ankles, or legs. Ascites is a buildup of fluid that causes swelling around your abdomen.

If you have weight gain or swelling while taking Xifaxan, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the possible cause. If necessary, they may prescribe treatment for fluid buildup.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Xifaxan may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Xifaxan.

Headache

Xifaxan can cause headaches in some people. In clinical trials, it was commonly reported in people who took Xifaxan for traveler's diarrhea.

However, a headache can also be a symptom of dehydration, which diarrhea may cause.

What you can do

If you have a headache while taking Xifaxan, it will typically get better on its own within a few hours. You can help ease a headache by drinking plenty of fluids, getting some rest, and gently massaging your temples.

If you have a headache that's severe or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend whether it's safe to take an over-the-counter pain reliever with Xifaxan. Examples include Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen).

If you take Xifaxan for traveler's diarrhea, drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent dehydration. It may also help to drink electrolyte drinks, such as rehydration solutions or sports drinks. These drinks replace necessary salts and fluids that you can lose with diarrhea.

Diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile infection

Xifaxan is an antibiotic that can change the typical levels of bacteria in your digestive system. Taking antibiotics can cause an increase in a bacterium called Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff).As a result, it may cause an infection in your intestines. This can cause diarrhea that may be mild or severe.

In clinical trials of Xifaxan, this side effect was rare. However, it can occur in people who take Xifaxan for any condition.

Diarrhea caused by C. Diff can occur during or after stopping treatment with Xifaxan. In some cases, this side effect has been reported more than 2 months after antibiotic treatment ended.

Symptoms of C.Diff-related diarrhea can include:

What you can do

If you take Xifaxan for diarrhea, talk with your doctor if your diarrhea persists or worsens during treatment.

If you take Xifaxan for any condition, contact your doctor if you develop diarrhea after stopping treatment.

If you have this side effect, your doctor will likely prescribe antidiarrheal medication to treat it. They may also have you stop treatment with Xifaxan.

Dizziness

Some people may experience dizziness while taking Xifaxan. In clinical trials, this was commonly reported in people who took Xifaxan for hepatic encephalopathy.

Dizziness can also be a symptom of anemia (low red blood cell count), which is another possible side effect of Xifaxan. It may also result from dehydration, which can occur in people with diarrhea. Keep in mind that Xifaxan is prescribed to treat traveler's diarrhea.

What you can do

If you feel dizzy while taking Xifaxan, sit or lie down until the feeling passes.

If you experience persistent or bothersome dizziness, talk with your doctor. They can help determine the cause.

If you take Xifaxan for diarrhea, it's important to drink plenty of fluids. This replaces fluids lost through diarrhea and helps prevent dehydration, which can cause dizziness.

Nausea

It's possible to experience nausea while taking Xifaxan. In clinical trials, nausea was commonly reported in people who took Xifaxan for hepatic encephalopathy or irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

Note that nausea can also be a symptom of the conditions that Xifaxan treats.

What you can do

If you experience nausea while taking Xifaxan, it may help to:

take frequent sips of water

get plenty of fresh air

drink ginger or peppermint teas

avoid oily, sugary, or rich foods

eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large main meals

If you have persistent or bothersome nausea during treatment, talk with your doctor. They may recommend other ways to manage this symptom.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Xifaxan can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This side effect wasn't reported in clinical trials, but it's been reported since the drug was approved.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

skin rash

itching

flushing

swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet

swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Xifaxan. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Xifaxan. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Xifaxan, any of its ingredients, or other similar antibiotics, your doctor will likely not prescribe Xifaxan. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Severe liver problems. Your liver is involved in breaking down Xifaxan that's absorbed into your body. If you have severe liver problems, Xifaxan could build up in your body, which may raise your risk of side effects. If you have a severe liver problem, your doctor may monitor you more closely for side effects from Xifaxan.

Alcohol with Xifaxan

There are no known interactions between Xifaxan and alcohol. However, Xifaxan and alcohol can cause some of the same side effects, such as headache, nausea, and dizziness. If you drink alcohol with Xifaxan, you may be more likely to experience these side effects.

Keep in mind that drinking alcohol may also worsen symptoms of traveler's diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), and hepatic encephalopathy. Xifaxan is prescribed to treat these conditions.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Xifaxan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read this article about taking antibiotics with alcohol.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Xifaxan

It's not known whether it's safe to take Xifaxan during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The drug hasn't been clinically trialed in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning for either, talk with your doctor before taking Xifaxan. They can advise on whether Xifaxan is right for you.

Side effects aren't particularly common with Xifaxan. Most people take this medication without problems. Most side effects are mild and easily managed. The medication can cause some serious side effects, but these are rare.

If you'd like to learn more about Xifaxan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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