Vi-Atro and Xifaxan

• Generic Name: atropine / diphenoxylate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Lomotil, Lonox, Lomocot, Vi-Atro

Diphenoxylate and atropine combination is used along with other measures (eg, fluid and electrolyte treatment) to treat severe diarrhea. Diphenoxylate helps stop diarrhea by slowing down the movements of the intestines.

Diphenoxylate is chemically related to some narcotics and may be habit-forming if taken in doses that are larger than prescribed. If higher than normal doses of the combination are taken, the atropine will cause unpleasant effects.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: rifaximin
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Xifaxan

Xifaxan (rifaximin) is an antibiotic that fights bacterial infection only in the intestines.

Rifaximin works differently from other antibiotics because it passes through your stomach and into your intestines without being absorbed into your blood stream. Because rifaximin treats only the intestinal tract, it will not treat infections of other parts of the body.

Xifaxan is used to treat travelers' diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Most people get this infection by eating food or drinking fluids that have been contaminated with the E. coli bacteria.

Xifaxan is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults whose main symptom is diarrhea.

Xifaxan is also used to lower the risk of a decline in brain function in adults with liver failure. Brain function can be affected when the liver stops working and cannot remove toxic substances from the body.