Researchers performed a phase three, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of repeat treatment with Rifaximin. The trial included 1,074 adults with IBS-D, abdominal pain with bloating scores of three or more across 270 centers in the United States.
The patients took rifaximin three times a day for two weeks. If the patient relapsed, they repeated the trial with either a placebo or with rifaximin following the aforementioned dosing guidelines.
Here’s what they found.
1. Of the patients, 382 did not relapse and 692 did.
2. Of those patients, 636 continued the trial with 328 receiving rifaximin and 308 the placebo.
3. Thirty eight percent of those treated with rifaximin responded to the treatment compared to 31.5 percent with the placebo. Rifaximin treated abdominal pain at a higher rate than the placebo, but the patients with the placebo had better stool consistency.
4. The Rifaximin group had significant improvements concerning the prevention of recurrence, durable response and bowel movement urgency than the placebo group.
5. The authors concluded repeat rifaximin treatment was efficacious and well tolerated.
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