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Rifaximin (drug)
Rifaximin is a non-absorbed antibiotic that inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase to reduce pathogenic gut bacteria.
Rifaximin is a non-absorbed antibiotic that inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase to reduce pathogenic gut bacteria. Used for Traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli, Hepatic encephalopathy (reduction of overt episodes), Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
At a glance
| Generic name | Rifaximin (drug) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Xifaxan |
| Sponsor | Państwowy Instytut Medyczny Ministerstwa Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji |
| Drug class | Rifamycin antibiotic |
| Target | Bacterial RNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Rifaximin is a rifamycin-class antibiotic that binds to bacterial RNA polymerase and inhibits bacterial transcription. Because it is minimally absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, it acts locally on enteric bacteria while maintaining low systemic exposure, making it suitable for treating gastrointestinal infections and conditions driven by dysbiosis.
Approved indications
- Traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli
- Hepatic encephalopathy (reduction of overt episodes)
- Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)
Common side effects
- Flatulence
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Rifaximin 200 mg Plus Oral Rehydration vs Oral Rehydration Alone in Children With Acute Diarrhea (PHASE4)
- Pharmacokinetic Study of Single-Dose Modified Release Glipizide in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Evaluation of the Outcome of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Mechanical Bowel Preparation With or Without Oral Antibiotics in Left Sided Colorectal Cancer Surgery (NA)
- Effect of Multispecies Probiotic Supplementation on the Efficacy of Rifaximin α Therapy in Patients With Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): a Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of Early Initiation of Midodrine for Control and Prevention of Ascites and Its Related Complications in Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure. (NA)
- Efficacy and Safety of Rifaximin-α in Treating MASLD (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Rifaximin Versus No Intervention for the Treatment of IgA Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
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