Rifaximin in treatment of acute bacterial diarrhea: A randomized, single-blind and multicenter clinical trial

Object: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rifaximin against acute bacterial diarrhea. Methods: The effect of rifaximin for the treatment of acute bacterial diarrhea was investigated in a multi-center randomized, single-blind and clinical trial with control of ciprofloxacin. Patients were administered with rifaximin 0.4g tid on the first day, followed by 0. 4g bid; as for ciprofloxacin 0.25g tid on the first day, followed by 0.25g bid, until the end of the 3∼7-day treatment, respectively. Stool, blood (hepatic and renal functions), urine samples and ECG of pre- and post-treatment were assayed for safety evaluation of rifaximin in diarrhea patients. Results: One hundred eligible patients in rifaximin group and 105 in ciprofloxacin group showed similar efficacy rates and recovery rates, 100% and 93%, 98.09% and 92. 38% respectively. There were no statistic differences between the two groups related to the effectiveness. The bacterium positive rate was 66. 83% (137/205) before treatment. Bacterial clearance rates were 100% and 97.1%, and side effect rates 10.48% and 5.36% in two groups respectively. There were no statistic differences. Conclusion: Rifaximin is safe and effective in the treatment of acute bacterial diarrhea.