Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

double-blind rifaximin

Rifaximin works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis.

Rifaximin works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis. Used for Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Rifaximin is a rifamycin antibiotic that selectively inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to the beta subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase. This action prevents the transcription of bacterial DNA into RNA, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and replication.

Approved indications

• Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)

Common side effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain

Key clinical trials

• The Efficacy of Probiotics as an Adjunct to Treatment of SIBO With Rifaximin (NA)
• Efficacy of Rifaximin With NAC in IBS-D (PHASE2)
• Evaluation of Rifaximin SSD for Delaying Encephalopathy Decompensation in Patients With Cirrhosis (PHASE3)
• Study to Assess Rifaximin Soluble Solid Dispersion (SSD) for the Delay of Encephalopathy Decompensation in Cirrhosis (PHASE3)
• BCAA vs. Rifaximin in Patients With Cirrhosis for Secondary Prophylaxis of HE (PHASE4)
• Two Strategies of Primary Prophylaxis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Severe Cirrhotic Patients With Ascites (PHASE3)
• Prevention of Post-TIPS Hepatic Encephalopathy by Administration of Rifaximin and Lactulose (PHASE4)
• Rifaximin in Cirrhosis: Effects on Endotoxin and Haemostatic Indexes (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

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• Bausch Health Americas, Inc. portfolio CI