RIFAXIMIN THERAPY FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME PATIENTS WITHOUT CONSTIPATION: AN OPEN LABEL STUDY

BACKGROUND:Irritable bowel syndrome IBS clinical manifestation varies a great deal ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to psychological manifestations, having a major impact on the quality of life of patient. Among many other factors in the pathogenesis of IBS, the role of small intestine bacterial overgrowth has lead to the concept that antibiotic play important role in the management of IBS. OBJECTIVE:To determine the efficacy of Rifaximin in reducing the symptoms of IBS without constipation.METHODOLOGY:This is a case series conducted in this institution. Thirty patients having IBS diarrhea predominant and mix variety fulfilling the Rome III criteria were included in the study. Variables including abdominal pain, bloating, stool frequency per day and stool consistency on most days of the week were noted on each follow up. Approval was taken from the local ethical committee. RESULTS:Out of 30 patients nine were having the IBS diarrhea predominant and 21 were having mix type of IBS. All the four variables of IBS studied including abdominal pain, boating, stool frequency per day and stool consistency in most days of the week were improved after two weeks of Rifaximin therapy (p value < .001). This improvement was durable observed in followup period as well. CONCLUSION:The Rifaximin improves the symptoms of IBS without constipation and this improvement is durable over a period of time.