Xifaxan and Other Antibiotics

The overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the intestines is one of the factors that is believed to cause or trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Because of this, gut-specific antibiotics are often prescribed for people with IBS, particularly those patients who complain of gas, bloating symptoms, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.^1,2

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing.³

Examples

The most studied antibiotic in IBS treatment is Xifaxan® (rifaximin). Xifaxan is minimally absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, which allows more of the drug to remain in the intestines. Also, this means there is less of the drug in the rest of the body. Xifaxan does not seem to significantly alter the natural microflora (good bacteria) in the gut, and it does not cause diarrhea like some antibiotics may.¹

Xifaxan is a prescription drug used in adults with IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D). People treated for 2 weeks with Xifaxan may get 6 to 24 weeks of relief from IBS-D symptoms, including abdominal pain and diarrhea. On average, people in a clinical trial with Xifaxan experienced 10 weeks of relief. People can be retreated with Xifaxan up to 2 times if symptoms come back.^3,4

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Xifaxan in people with IBS include:^3,4

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Joint pain
• An increase in the liver enzyme Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

These are not all the possible side effects of Xifaxan. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Xifaxan. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Xifaxan.

Other antibiotics for IBS

There have been some studies that have shown another antibiotic, neomycin, to be effective in treating IBS-D. However, there are more side effects with neomycin. Systemic antibiotics, those that are absorbed and circulate throughout the body, have not been well studied as a treatment for IBS.¹

Other IBS treatments

Often, people with IBS have to try several treatment options to find what works best for them. Many people may find that a combination of treatment approaches helps manage their symptoms. In addition to antibiotics, other treatment options for IBS include:

• Adding exercise
• Making dietary changes
• Adding fiber
• Using probiotics
• Getting counseling
• Trying complementary or alternative medicine

Before beginning treatment for IBS, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs.