Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis, specifically targeting the bacterial enzyme RNA polymerase.
Rifaximin is particularly effective in treating SIBO because it has poor oral absorption and is minimally metabolized, which allows it to reach high concentrations in the gastrointestinal tract without significantly affecting systemic bacterial flora. By selectively targeting bacteria in the gut, rifaximin can reduce the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and alleviate symptoms associated with SIBO.
The target bacteria of rifaximin in SIBO include a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria commonly found in the small intestine, such as Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and others.
In the context of SIBO, rifaximin helps by reducing the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, alleviating associated symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It’s worth noting that rifaximin is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, which limits systemic effects and makes it particularly suitable for treating gastrointestinal conditions like SIBO
