Review of Rifaximin: Latest Treatment Frontier for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mechanism of Action and Clinical Profile

Abstract

Background:Irritable bowel syndrome is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disorder with the primary symptom of abdominal pain in conjunction with bloating and bowel movement disorder. It affects up to 15% of the world’s population. Among its subtypes, the most common is diarrhoea predominant. However, the current treatment options for diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome have had not very promising results; most, such as antispasmodics, only provide partial symptomatic relief. Treatment with antidepressants and alosetron (a 5HT3 antagonist) has shown the most promise to date. The latest drug to be approved for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhoea is rifaximin, which was approved in May 2015. It is a minimally absorbed antibiotic that is used to change the gut microbiota. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is one of the causes suggested for irritable bowel syndrome, particularly for the diarrhoea-predominant type. There are various methods for detecting bacterial overgrowth, the simplest of which is breath tests. Rifaximin has been shown to be of benefit to these patients.Purpose:The purpose of the study is to discuss the potential mechanism of action of rifaximin, a minimally absorbed antibiotic. In addition, we evaluate the various clinical trials undertaken to study the efficacy and safety profile of rifaximin.

Consumption of a Fermented Milk Product Containing Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-2494 in Women Complaining of Minor Digestive Symptoms: Rapid Response Which Is Independent of Dietary Fibre Intake or Physical Activity

“…We considered it to be of interest to explore how fast this effect occurred as it might be anticipated that the absence of measurable effect after 2 weeks could result in poor compliance or even the cessation of consumption by participants. We found that the FMP had a rapid effect and interestingly a similarly fast response has been observed in other treatments aimed at modifying the microbiota, such as rifaximin [15].…”

Uso de rifaximina en síndrome de intestino irritable

“…Estos hallazgos permanecieron iguales durante al menos 3 meses después del tratamiento. Por lo que se determinó que el tratamiento con rifaximina era eficaz y seguro para pacientes con síndrome de intestino irritable (Gupta et al, 2017).…”

Functional abdominal pain disorders in children: An update on treatment

“…Rifaximin is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The mechanism of action of rifaximin is not yet completely understood although it is thought to act by restoring the balance of the gut microflora 20 . However, the persistent effect several weeks after treatment suggests additional mechanisms of action.…”