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Rifaximin: a nonabsorbable rifamycin antibiotic for use in nonsystemic gastrointestinal infections

Laura Gerard1, Kevin W Garey, Herbert L DuPont

  • 1University of Houston College of Pharmacy, TX 77030, USA.

Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy
|May 28, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Rifaximin, an antibiotic, effectively treats and prevents traveler's diarrhea by targeting gut bacteria. It shows a good safety profile and does not appear to cause bacterial resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Rifaximin is a poorly absorbed rifamycin antibiotic.
  • It exhibits in vitro activity against enteric Gram-negative bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rifaximin.
  • To explore its potential in various gastrointestinal disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Oral administration of rifaximin.
  • Assessment of fecal drug levels.
  • Clinical evaluation of treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • High fecal drug concentrations achieved rapidly.
  • Effective in treating and preventing traveler's diarrhea.
  • Potential utility in C. difficile colitis, H. pylori gastritis, and other GI disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Rifaximin is effective for traveler's diarrhea with minimal systemic absorption.
  • It offers a favorable safety profile without inducing bacterial resistance.
  • Further investigation into its role in other gastrointestinal conditions is warranted.

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