Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is an expensive drug used to treat traveler's diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. It is also used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy, a brain disorder that can occur due to severe liver disease. This drug is more popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives to Xifaxan.
I recommend to patients over age 50thst they consider doing Pap smears every three years. If they are over age 65 with no history of cervical cancer can stop having Pap smears. Women without a cervix and no previous history of cervical cancer can stop having Pap smears done following a hysterectomy. So, to answer your question, I would advise a 73 year old woman in good health with no prior history of cervical cancer and low risk factors for STD infection to stop having Pap smears.
All women aged between 18 and 70 who have ever been sexually active should have a Pap test every two years. The risk of cervical cancer increases with age, so it is important for women to continue cervical screening until they are at least 70. If women have two normal Pap test results in the five years before they turn 70, they can stop having Pap tests. While some women may choose to continue having Pap tests after 70, the risk of developing cervical cancer at this age (having had regular normal Pap tests to age 70) is minimal. Women who have not had regular Pap tests or have had abnormal results from recent Pap tests, may need to keep having Pap tests for a few more years.