Rifaximin: a nonabsorbable, broad-spectrum antibiotic for reduction in the risk for recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy

Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been approved by FDA for reduction in the risk for recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy, a debilitating disorder caused by the inability of the liver to remove bacterial-derived toxic by-products, specifically ammonia. It is a nonabsorbable ant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Formulary (Cleveland, Ohio) Ohio), 2010-07, Vol.45 (7), p.210
Main Authors: Feret, Brett, Barner, Benjamin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ammonia
Antibiotics
Bacteria
Clinical trials
Dosage and administration
Drug dosages
Drug therapy
E coli
FDA approval
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hospitalization
Liver cirrhosis
Liver diseases
Pharmacokinetics
Prevention
Remission (Medicine)
Rifaximin
Risk factors
RNA polymerase
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Summary:Rifaximin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been approved by FDA for reduction in the risk for recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy, a debilitating disorder caused by the inability of the liver to remove bacterial-derived toxic by-products, specifically ammonia. It is a nonabsorbable antibiotic that provides activity locally in the gut due to its negligible systemic absorption. Rifaximin has a favorable side-effect profile and a low potential for drug interactions. A recent landmark phase 3 trial in patients in remission from recurrent hepatic encephalopathy demonstrated that rifaximin at a dose of 550 mg twice daily is significantly more effective than placebo in maintaining remission and reducing the risk of hospitalization. Rifaximin's approval by FDA in March 2010, offers clinicians the first pharmacologic treatment for hepatic encephalopathy in more than 30 years. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1082-801X
1938-1166