Drug updated on 4/17/2024
| Dosage Form | Tablet (oral: 200 mg, 550 mg) |
| Drug Class | Antibacterials |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated for the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea (TD) caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.
- Indicated for reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in adults.
- Indicated for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.
Summary
- Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is approved for the treatment of travelers’ diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older, for reducing the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy recurrence in adults, and for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea in adults.
- The evidence was collected from a total of 11 systematic reviews/meta-analyses regarding the effectiveness and safety of rifaximin for various conditions including hepatic encephalopathy (HE), irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), and travelers' diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of E. coli.
- In numerous stages of HE, rifaximin showed significant benefits without reducing mortality; when used in combination with lactulose as opposed to lactulose alone, it led to higher efficacy rates and reduced mortality rates.
- While treating HE, compared to Lactulose and Nonabsorbable Disaccharides (NADs), rifaximin resulted in superior outcomes in terms of complete resolution, but showed similar effects on mental status, blood ammonia levels, and adverse events.
- For patients with IBS-D, especially those suffering from abdominal distension or in need of overall symptom relief without significant side effects; rifaximin was ranked first for safety according to a network meta-analysis that included other pharmacological therapies.
- In cases of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, particularly focusing on abdominal bloating/distension: compared to placebo, rifaximin was associated with a higher likelihood of symptom improvement/reduction in subjective severity, indicating its effectiveness within this patient subgroup.
- Regarding Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) eradication: Rifaximin showed dose-dependent efficacy, improving gastrointestinal symptoms and underlying diseases, thus affirming its safety and effectiveness.
- The efficacy and safety of rifaximin were highlighted across various subgroups, such as those suffering from FGID/SIBO, where specific patient subgroups benefited more from treatment.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Xifaxan (rifaximin) Prescribing Information. | 2022 | Salix Pharmaceuticals., Bridgewater, NJ |