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Rifaximin oral tablet
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, Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).
At a glance
| Generic name | Rifaximin oral tablet |
|---|---|
| Also known as | L-105, Sugar Pill |
| Sponsor | Yokohama City University |
| 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 acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract by inhibiting bacterial RNA polymerase, thereby suppressing the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative enteric bacteria. Because it is minimally absorbed systemically, it achieves high local concentrations in the gut while maintaining low systemic exposure, making it suitable for treating intestinal infections and conditions driven by dysbiosis.
Approved indications
- Traveler's diarrhea caused by non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)
Common side effects
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Flatulence
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)
- Rifaximin's Effect on Covert Hepatic Encephalopathy With SIBO and Gastrointestinal Dysmotility (PHASE3)
- Effect of Rifaximin on Gut Bacterial Flora Post Stem Cell Transplant in Patients With Acute Leukemia (PHASE2)
- Comparing the Efficacy of Nitazoxanide Versus Rifaximin in Adult Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Without Constipation (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Rifaximin for the Secondary Prevention of Recurrent Pouchitis (PHASE4)
- Rifaximin for Treatment of Bloating in Children and Adults With Cystic Fibrosis (PHASE2, PHASE3)
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Rifaximin oral tablet CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Rifaximin oral tablet updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Yokohama City University portfolio CI