Xifaxan (Rifaximin) reviews

[JackSparrow25]

Has anyone taken Xifaxan antibiotic for IBS/SIBO and what are your experiences with it? Did it help / cause any symptoms/ how long did it help / did you relapse eventually?

[Kerry12]

Yes, I took a course of Rifaximin to treat SIBO about six weeks ago but unfortunately it didn't help. I did have a couple of good days half way through the course but that was all. Very disappointing as I'd read that it helps around 90% of people and it was difficult to get hold of. It didn't cause me any symptoms either but I would say that I'm probably worse now than before I took it !

Don't let me put you off though as anything is worth a try and you could be in the lucky 90% !

[LCat]

I had SIBO before (not now). I never had it before but got it after I had to take other antibiotics together with Omeprazole. Usually it is caused by the Omeprazole (atypical side effect). My GI Consultant’s (a very good Consultant ) decided that it was not a good idea to take the Rifaxan as it could potentially cause more pain for me than help. He thought it was a better idea to be careful with what I eat I e diet. In the end the SIBO went away on its own. Also I believe you would have to take the Rifaxan for a very long time (not just a week).

[Frillylili in reply to LCat]

What type of diet did you do, for the SIBO to go away?

[JackSparrow25 in reply to LCat]

What type of symptoms was SIBO causing?

[sweetsusie]

I haven't tried Xifaxan, but I do take Colestipol, which stopped my chronic diarrhea in it's tracks. Also, Welchol is another one that works wonders. Both are great...colestipol is cheaper over here in the US, though.

[JackSparrow25 in reply to sweetsusie]

Good to know, did only one course do the trick or for how long has it stopped?

[sweetsusie in reply to JackSparrow25]

No...I have to take them every day, which is fine with me. I take 3 in the morning and 3 in the evening...now am cutting to 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening to see if that will work. I'm free!!!!!!! No bad side effects...these are pretty benign drugs....

[Liz1234ty]

I have heard that a two week course of xifaran is most effective when followed by a strict diet. In particular stripping out sugars. The bacteria feed off sugars so you need to kill their food source. There is some good advice on the net about sibo diets.