RCBASE contains Rifaximin, an antibiotic used to treat gastrointestinal infections. It works by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines without significantly affecting the beneficial bacteria. It is commonly used for conditions like traveler’s diarrhea, hepatic encephalopathy, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

Mechanism of action:
Rifaximin works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis, which prevents bacteria from multiplying and causes them to die. Because it is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, it primarily acts in the intestines, reducing bacterial overgrowth and infection locally.

Uses:

• Traveler’s diarrhea caused by E. coli

• Hepatic encephalopathy: to reduce toxins in the gut that can affect brain function in liver disease

• Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D): to relieve bloating and diarrhea

• Sometimes used for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Adverse effects:
Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and headache. Rare but serious side effects include severe allergic reactions or Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea.