In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, researchers at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon treated 124 patients with rifaximin therapy and found that it was effective at relieving the symptoms of bloating and excess gaseousness by way of reducing the amount of hydrogen gas produced in the large intestine. And because rifaximin is non-absorbable, there are no side effects, making it suitable for chronic use.
Research has shown that these symptoms are common and often more disturbing to IBS patients, as well as being harder to treat, than the commonly associated diarrhea and constipation. Fortunately, among the patients with IBS in the trial, a favorable response was also noted, which lasted even through the post-treatment phase of the study.
This study is published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Media who wish to receive a PDF of the article should contact medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.
Corresponding author of the study Ala Sharara, MD specializes in clinical research of various GI disorders including Helicobacter pylori and functional GI disorders. He can be reached for questions and interviews at as08@aub.edu.lb.
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