Rifaximin
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Chetan Lokhande, M.B.B.S [2]
Overview
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.
It's also sold in Europe under the name Spiraxin and Zaxine, both of which seem to be cheaper solutions. There isn't a generic version of the drug.
Category
Rifamycin
US Brand Names
XIFAXAN®
FDA Package Insert
Description | Clinical Pharmacology | Microbiology | Indications and Usage | Contraindications | Warnings and Precautions | Adverse Reactions | Drug Interactions | Overdosage | Clinical Studies | Dosage and Administration | How Supplied | Labels and Packages
Mechanism of Action
ifaximin interferes with transcription by binding to the β-subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase. This results in the blockage of the translocation step that normally follows the formation of the first phosphodiester bond, which occurs in the transcription process.[3]
References
- ↑ Sharara A, Aoun E, Abdul-Baki H, Mounzer R, Sidani S, ElHajj I. (2006). "A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of rifaximin in patients with abdominal bloating and flatulence". Am J Gastroenterol. 101 (2): 326.
- ↑ Wolf, David C. (2007-01-09). "Hepatic Encephalopathy". eMedicine. WebMD. Retrieved 2007-02-15. Check date values in:
|date=(help) - ↑ http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB01220