RIFAXIMIN

'Rifaximin' is a semisynthetic, rifamycin-based non-systemic antibiotic, meaning that the drug will not pass the gastrointestinal wall into the circulation as is common for other types of orally administered antibiotics. It is licensed for use to treat diarrhea caused by ''E. coli''. It is not effective against ''Campylobacter jejuni'', and there is no evidence of efficacy against ''Shigella'' or ''Salmonella'' species.
It may be efficacious in relieving chronic functional symptoms of bloating and flatulence that are common in irritable bowel syndrome.^[1]
In 2005, it received orphan drug status for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.^[2]
It is currently sold in the U.S. under the brand name 'Xifaxan' by Salix Pharmaceuticals.

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References

External links

References

1. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of rifaximin in patients with abdominal bloating and flatulence, Sharara A, Aoun E, Abdul-Baki H, Mounzer R, Sidani S, ElHajj I., , , Am J Gastroenterol, 2006
2. Hepatic Encephalopathy


★ Methods for dilution antimicrobial susceptibility tests for bacteria that grow aerobically. National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards, Sixth Edition, Wayne PA. — January 2003

★ Micromedex information on rifaximin

★ FDA label approved for Xifaxan (PDF warning)

External links

★ Xifaxan® (manufacturer's website)