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Rifaximin and loperamide

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Rifaximin and loperamide is a Antibiotic + antidiarrheal combination Small molecule drug developed by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. It is currently FDA-approved for Traveler's diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli, Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

Rifaximin reduces pathogenic gut bacteria while loperamide decreases intestinal motility to reduce diarrhea symptoms.

Rifaximin reduces pathogenic gut bacteria while loperamide decreases intestinal motility to reduce diarrhea symptoms. Used for Traveler's diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli, Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

At a glance

Generic nameRifaximin and loperamide
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Drug classAntibiotic + antidiarrheal combination
TargetBacterial RNA polymerase (rifaximin); mu-opioid receptors in the GI tract (loperamide)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaGastroenterology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Rifaximin is a non-absorbed antibiotic that acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract to reduce bacterial overgrowth and associated inflammation. Loperamide is an antimotility agent that slows intestinal transit and reduces fluid secretion. Together, they address both the bacterial cause and symptom of traveler's diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Rifaximin and loperamide

What is Rifaximin and loperamide?

Rifaximin and loperamide is a Antibiotic + antidiarrheal combination drug developed by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, indicated for Traveler's diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli, Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

How does Rifaximin and loperamide work?

Rifaximin reduces pathogenic gut bacteria while loperamide decreases intestinal motility to reduce diarrhea symptoms.

What is Rifaximin and loperamide used for?

Rifaximin and loperamide is indicated for Traveler's diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli, Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

Who makes Rifaximin and loperamide?

Rifaximin and loperamide is developed and marketed by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (see full The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston pipeline at /company/the-university-of-texas-health-science-center-houston).

What drug class is Rifaximin and loperamide in?

Rifaximin and loperamide belongs to the Antibiotic + antidiarrheal combination class. See all Antibiotic + antidiarrheal combination drugs at /class/antibiotic-antidiarrheal-combination.

What development phase is Rifaximin and loperamide in?

Rifaximin and loperamide is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Rifaximin and loperamide?

Common side effects of Rifaximin and loperamide include Abdominal pain, Nausea, Constipation, Headache.

What does Rifaximin and loperamide target?

Rifaximin and loperamide targets Bacterial RNA polymerase (rifaximin); mu-opioid receptors in the GI tract (loperamide) and is a Antibiotic + antidiarrheal combination.

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