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. Based mostly on the pioneering work of UCLA/Cedar-Sinai gastroenterologist, Dr. Mark Pimentel, and others, rifaximin has turn out 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.
Using rifaximin in standard circles is growing for purposes outdoors of SIBO. New indications embrace:
- IBS-D—i.e., irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
- Rosacea—In one human medical trial, 96% of contributors skilled marked discount in rosacea pores and skin rashes with rifaximin. Members 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 positive 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 operate that happens in individuals with liver illness improves with rifaximin.
We additionally know, with pretty ample proof, that rifaximin is reasonably efficient in eradicating SIBO. Along with responding to rifaximin, all of the circumstances listed above have additionally been proven to be accompanied by SIBO within the majority. Is there any solution to keep away from the conclusion that ALL the above circumstances 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 just about all SIBO
Please don’t interpret this dialogue as encouragement to take rifaximin. I consider that there are extra rational methods to take care of the dysbiosis or SIBO that drive these circumstances, in addition to the endotoxemia that accompany such microbial disruptions. For example, we have now 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. Now we have been witnessing round 90% success with this technique, as judged by normalization of breath hydrogen fuel through the AIRE system. The recipe for SIBO Yogurt is in my Tremendous Intestine e-book. We’re planning a proper medical trial to validate this observe in future.
