High dosage rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Abstract

SUMMARY BackgroundRifaximin is a broad spectrum non-absorbable antibiotic used for treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Doses of 1200 mg ⁄ day showed a decontamination rate of 60% with low side-effects incidence.

Rifaximin combined with polymyxins: A potential regimen for selective decontamination of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the digestive tract?

“…Although RIFAX alone has been shown previously to be effective in gut decolonisation [7], the data presented here suggest that combination therapy may be significantly more effective against isolates with RIFAX and/or PMB resistance. Combinations of licensed non-absorbable agents are seldom used systemically and could be considered as part of a SDD regimen aimed at reducing enteric carriage of MDR pathogens in colonised and infected patients.…”

“…It is poorly absorbed in the human gut and is licensed to treat travelassociated diarrhoea due to enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli and other enteric pathogens [6]. It is effective in reducing bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine [7] and has also been used successfully in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection [8]. It has orphan drug status in the adjunctive treatment of hepatic encephalopathy [7].…”

“…It is effective in reducing bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine [7] and has also been used successfully in the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection [8]. It has orphan drug status in the adjunctive treatment of hepatic encephalopathy [7].…”

Effect of probiotics on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer

“…In apparent agreement, various studies have demonstrated that either probiotics (30,31) or antibiotics (32,33) can counteract SIBO and clinical symptoms in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, many studies (13,34) indicated that the combination of antibiotics and probiotics was more effective than antibiotics used alone in eradicating SIBO.…”

Rifaximin therapy for metronidazole-unresponsive Clostridium difficile infection: a prospective pilot trial

“…Larger studies (80 patients) examining use of rifaximin 1200 mg/day in patients with gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome [Scarpellini et al 2007] and small intestinal bacteria overgrowth [Pimentel et al 2006]) similarly reported abdominal pain and dyspepsia in patients receiving rifaximin; however, these events were reported to be mild [Scarpellini et al 2007] and rare [Pimentel et al 2006]. …”