Xifaxan, SIBO, IBS and the FDA

Dr. Kasia Kines, Nutritionist, CEO and founder of EBV Educational Institute
Virtual clinic serving the US and globally
[email protected]

Today I want to update you on the SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) medication of choice – Xifaxan. Just a reminder that I am not a medical doctor, and do not prescribe medications. I am a licensed clinical functional medicine nutritionist, so this is just for your information.

What is Xifaxan?

Xifaxan, also known as Rifaximin, is an expensive antibiotic that runs over a thousand dollars per needed supplies for a 2-week treatment of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). This is the antibiotic of choice for SIBO. Where the typical prescription is 550mg, three times a day, for 14 days.

FDA Approval:

Xifaxan has been approved by FDA for IBS-D and you may have already seen their ads on television. I think we are the only country that allows the direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertisement….That is just my three cents…

Will Xifaxan cure your SIBO?

This is the point of this post.

According to studies, up to 98% of the drug stays in small intestines, where it targets the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It then crystalizes and ends its work before ever getting into the colon. Studies suggest that it does not affect the microbiota in the large intestine.  This is very important because your colon integrity has to do a great deal with your health.

Today my post is about the FDA approval.  I have worked with patients with SIBO for several years, starting with caring for Dr. Mullin’s patients as their nutritionist. I find that some patients do very well on Xifaxan and are able to treat  SIBO successfully, but most have to repeat the treatment. This is very important for you to know and many doctors who are not very familiar.

If you have more questions about Small Bacterial Intestinal Growth you may want to visit my SIBO page.  If you have additional questions you can Book and Appointment to discuss how we can help you treat SIBO.

Dr. Kasia Kines, Nutritionist, CEO and founder of EBV Educational Institute
Virtual clinic serving the US and globally
[email protected]