Rifaximin Administration and Efficacy

Pharmacological Properties

• Rifaximin maintains high concentration levels in the intestine because it is not absorbed, and it remains in an active form until it is excreted 1
• Rifaximin is a rifamycin derivative that inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase 1

Clinical Implications

• For patients with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, the standard dose is 550 mg three times daily for 14 days, which can be taken with or without food 2
• For hepatic encephalopathy management, rifaximin (400 mg three times daily or 550 mg twice daily) can be administered without food timing restrictions 1, 3