Rifaximin (Xifaxan) is a prescription antibiotic that’s minimally absorbed, thereby retained within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It has a broad spectrum of motion in opposition to quite a few bacterial species by blocking bacterial protein manufacturing. Primarily based on the pioneering work of UCLA/Cedar-Sinai gastroenterologist, Dr. Mark Pimentel, and others, rifaximin has grow to be the antibiotic of selection in treating small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Rifaximin is efficient in killing a broad vary of species that dominate in SIBO reminiscent of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Gram-negative fecal microbes.
The usage of rifaximin in standard circles is rising for purposes exterior of SIBO. New indications embrace:
- IBS-D—i.e., irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
- Rosacea—In one human scientific trial, 96% of contributors skilled marked discount in rosacea pores and skin rashes with rifaximin. Individuals who skilled relapses proved to have SIBO and as soon as once more responded to rifaximin.
- Diverticular illness—Preliminary proof means that there are fewer recurrences after rifaximin vs. placebo in individuals with a historical past of diverticulitis.
- Inflammatory bowel illness—Preliminary proof suggests a good position for rifaximin in ulcerative colitis with round 67% of individuals reaching remission after rifaximin, and in Crohn’s with 52-70% reaching remission.
- Hepatic encephalopathy—The impaired psychological perform that happens in individuals with liver illness improves with rifaximin.
We additionally know, with pretty plentiful proof, that rifaximin is reasonably efficient in eradicating SIBO. Along with responding to rifaximin, all of the situations listed above have additionally been proven to be accompanied by SIBO within the majority. Is there any option to keep away from the conclusion that ALL the above situations are due to this fact synonymous with SIBO? In any case, In different phrases, whatever the label of “rosacea” or “IBS-D” or “diverticular illness,” it’s nearly all SIBO.
Please don’t interpret this dialogue as encouragement to take rifaximin. I consider that there are extra rational methods to cope with the dysbiosis or SIBO that drive these situations, in addition to the endotoxemia that accompany such microbial disruptions. As an example, we now have been utilizing what I name “SIBO Yogurt,” a group of microbial species/strains that colonize the higher GI tract the place SIBO happens and produce bacteriocins efficient in opposition to the species of SIBO. We now have been witnessing round 90% success with this technique, as judged by normalization of breath hydrogen fuel through the AIRE gadget. The recipe for SIBO Yogurt is in my Tremendous Intestine e-book. We’re planning a proper scientific trial to validate this follow in future.
