See information below on IBS and this treatment. To create a Treatment Checklist, go to the bottom of the screen and enter your information in the four sections: 1) past or present use, 2) frequency and duration, 3) did this treatment work?, and 4) significant side effects. To see the next treatment either click on the treatment list at the bottom of the screen or click ‘Save and Continue to Next Treatment.’ Click ‘Submit (Done)’ to generate a list to print or email, to discuss with your physician.

Antibiotics (Rifaximin)

How it works:
Modifies the bacteria in the intestines and colon which leads to less severe and less frequent IBS symptoms.
Which symptoms it helps:
Overall IBS symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
How long it takes to see a benefit:
Within 1-2 weeks.
Who may benefit:
IBS-D.
FDA approved:
IBS-D.
Dosage:
550mg tablet.
Special considerations or risks:
<i>Clostridium difficile</i> infection has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents. While data from preliminary studies concerning rates of <i>C. difficile</i> are reassuring, whether rates of <i>C. difficile</i> are increased with repeated courses of rifaximin remains unknown.
Most common side effects:
Similar side effects to placebo.

Recommendation:
ACG suggests rifaximin for overall IBS-D symptom improvement.

Recommendation:
WEAK
Quality of Evidence:
MODERATE
Level of Evidence:
√
Past and Present Use Frequency and Duration Did this treatment work? Significant Side Effects
Past Use   Present Use   Yes   No   N/A