Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome User Reviews

• Sah...
• September 24, 2013

"I had a very severe form of irritable bowel syndrome. This medicine has given me my life back where so many other medications have failed. I would recommend it to anybody suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, please try it and do not suffer."

• Pla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2013

"I had tropical sprue twice with parasites and have been suffering since 1969, Vietnam and the Gulf War, to the present with diarrhea, bloating, cramps, flatus, and perianal fungal infections. Nothing worked except this medication to stop the frequent loose stools and a host of other symptoms. I had every test that the GI doctors could dream up. I have taken every probiotic known, and none of them have worked to reduce the symptoms. I have done every elimination diet and also been on Chinese medicine and treatments. I have used it for two courses of treatment with remarkable results, a 90% reduction of symptoms overall. I am a retired RN."

• Unh...
• March 29, 2016

"My stomach swelled out like a pregnant person for years, and I gained a lot of weight. I followed a very strict diet, all organic, no bread, red meat, or sugar, and plenty of exercise for 3 years. Still no hope. After visiting many doctors and getting no answers as to why my stomach stuck out all of the time, especially after I ate, I went to a gastroenterologist, had a Hydrogen Breath Test, and I had SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overflow). I took Xifaxan 550 3 times a day for 7 days. My stomach went down tremendously, and my body shrunk all around like magic. I was sooooooo happy!!! I had absolutely no side effects from the Xifaxan. Also, my heartburn went away. I had my life back. Diet is very important with SIBO!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2015

"I've been through hell and back dealing with this stupid disease. I have a fabulous GI doc who has tried me on a million medicines for diarrhea and pain from IBS: anti-diarrheals, anti-spasm meds, bile acid sequestrants (I have no gallbladder), tricyclic ADs, etc. None of them helped except this medicine. Seven years into this misery, and I've finally found the drug that works for me. I can begin LIVING again instead of only going through the motions. Please give it a try. My heart breaks for those of us that cannot find relief from this debilitating condition."

• Chr...
• November 15, 2018

"In all seriousness, my life was so bad due to non-stop IBS issues for the past 3 years. I had been scoped front and back. Tested for celiac, H. pylori, E. coli, C. diff, had my microbiome checked by Ubiome, tried probiotics, made things worse! Was put on hyoscyamine, then Bentyl, tests for SIBO came back negative. The cramping and pain became so horrid I was thinking I was having a heart attack. Landed in the ER and the pain was so bad they did an EKG and heart rates were being affected so they thought my aorta was dissecting. But after filling me with fentanyl for the pain, they did a CT scan and said, nope, IBS cramping. I seriously was ready to give up. All the spasmodics they gave offered only scant relief. Went back to my GI and begged for this prescription. Lo and behold, it works! After just one day, my cramping stopped. The diarrhea stopped after about 3 days. I can see having a life again."

• Dee...
• November 11, 2015

"I have been suffering for years with upper abdominal pain severe, so bad once I went to the ER. They came up with slow motility, along with my GI doctor ordering the test. Breath tests for H. pylori - negative. Endoscopies showed gastritis. Went gluten-free, this helped tremendously, but then recently an attack of the abdominal pain, shooting to the left side, severe bloating, hard to have a BM. My GI doctor said let's try Xifaxan 550 mg three times a day for two weeks. Within my second dose, I feel much better! I hope this continues. The drug is expensive, but go on the Xifaxan site to download your coupon, it should cost less depending on your insurance. I hope we can all get relief from this little wonder!"

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 16, 2021

"I took this drug, rifaximin, for 14 days in Sept 2018 and Sept 2019. Both times, it immediately started to relieve symptoms. In July 2019, the symptoms returned. I had chronic diarrhea for three weeks before starting a second dose in Sept 2019. Now, it is Jan 2021, and I have no more constipation and diarrhea. I can also eat beans again. After years of IBSD symptoms, I finally feel normal again."

• Nan...
• January 8, 2020

"After suffering with IBS-D for a year and a half, was about to give up on any relief. A colonoscopy and subsequent samples and biopsies also showed no results. Yet, from the first thing in the morning, all day, and into the night, I could never be sure when I would have to run to the bathroom. Finally, my doctor prescribed Xifaxan. Because it was prohibitively expensive, I put off getting it because the cost for a 14-day treatment was equivalent to almost the total monthly amount I get from Social Security. Finally, I was able to obtain the medication through the manufacturer’s patient assistance program. I cannot tell you what a difference this medication has made. I can go about daily activities without worry. The audible stomach rumblings have ceased, and the flatulence is gone. When you read about IBS-D, they say the only real side effect is the stress and psychological effects. More true words have never been spoken. I have my life back and I am so grateful."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

"I was able to get rifaximin (twice a day for 10 days) in samples from my gastroenterologist. He tried to prescribe it about a year ago, and even with all months of back and forth with my insurance (Medicare and Tricare for Life), they refused the prescription. Because I do not have commercial insurance, I don't qualify for the voucher coupon from the manufacturer. Within 24 hours, I could tell a positive difference. I had no negative side effects; a surprising plus for me as I have a lot of allergies to meds (Rx and OTC). After years of pain, discomfort, and a lot of daily inconvenience of both IBS-D and C, I have my life back! For me, the success of this antibiotic on my gut is somewhere around 90%. Oh my, this is an amazing drug, and I am so thankful! I've read it might only work for up to 10 weeks; I am not looking forward to regression, but I'm not going to worry about it. Right now, I'm enjoying leaving the house when I want without worries and not having pain, bloating, or anything!"

• Wan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2017

"I am a mother of a young adult female. Over a year ago, my daughter was healthy but took the Depo Vera shot to help her with her period. First Depo shot-an allergic reaction, the GI issues started and became a health nightmare. As a mother, I took my daughter to every doctor imaginable for non-narcotic meds, tried every diet, and Googled every review-no relief for almost 2 years. As her mother, I felt helpless. My daughter was in chronic pain and sickness. Until a day ago, 7/5/2017, this expensive drug (shame on your creators) was prescribed ...a miracle. Last night, my daughter slept like a baby for the first time in 2 years."

• She...
• January 31, 2016

"I was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), predominately methane gas producing (constipation/bloat mostly). This means a lot of archaea (not a bacteria, so Xifaxin doesn't treat it, but I was still advised to take Xifaxin, 550, 3x/day, 14 days). My bloating and flatulence got progressively worse, tolerable but worse. I kept SIBO active by eating plenty of healthy carbs as advised. I'm on day 10 and feel no different. I expected to have more energy by now. Folks with diarrhea seem to have better/immediate results; makes sense since Xifaxin targets the bacteria that causes diarrhea. To try to kill off the archaea, I'm taking my own course of natural antibiotics now overlapping with Xifaxin (allicin, berberine, neem). I have leaky gut bad; SIBO has got to go."

• Spa...
• October 23, 2019

"GI doctor prescribed rifaximin for my IBS. He made it sound like this is a miracle drug with no side effects. I was supposed to take it 3x a day for two weeks. The side effects started the very first day on the medication. For some reason, it made my bloating much worse! The bloating was painful and caused back pain with difficulty sleeping. I normally have a lot of gas and all of a sudden stopped being able to pass any. Eating any food caused increased stomach pain. I also started getting headaches with fatigue. I was willing to put up with the headaches and fatigue, but the increased amount of bloating and stomach pain made it too difficult to stay on the medication. I only lasted 3 days on the medication and had to stop. I checked with the pharmacist, and she didn't understand why my doctor said Xifaxan was a completely safe medication because it can cause side effects. The GI doctor had no other suggestions to help me, so I'm back to living with constant IBS."

• Sta...
• January 28, 2018

"I have been dealing with IBS-D for about 4 years now. The only thing I found that works is Xifaxan. The first time I took it, it lasted about 4 months. I was prescribed another round, and relief lasted a year. Normally, I don't see results immediately like some. For me, it takes some time after I finish the medication to have complete consistency. Give it some time."

• Rud...
• January 5, 2016

"I am from San Diego, CA, and I just wanted to let you know that this drug is great. It has been around in Mexico for ages, and it's called Flonorm. You can get a full two-week dose for $30 dls. I've been on and off four times with no bad side effects. My IBS-D comes back after a couple of weeks if I'm off it. I can't help but wonder if there is a bad bacteria in there that just won't go away?"

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2020

"Trialing this protocol for IBS. Morning: Xifaxan + Probiogen (spore probiotics) before meals: HCL Betaine + fiber. Between meals: Hardy’s Daily Essential Nutrients (4 pills x 3). Evening: Xifaxan. Diet: low FODMAP, no sugar. Addressing poor digestion and the possibility of bad bacteria populating the gut lining. The only diagnosis has been IBS and anxiety. Have had success with HCL Betaine + S. Boullardii + probiotic (lacto bifido) until it stopped working. Figured the probiotic was feeding the bacterial overgrowth, but for a moment the results were amazing. If poor digestion stopped serotonin production, to me, it felt like it started up again. So this protocol has been created on the back of this momentary reprieve. Will update in 2 weeks."

• RN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2019

"I took 2 courses of this two months apart. Both months, my period or period symptoms did not come, which I will call a win for me! My IBS symptoms have been in control for 9 years now! Sadly, they are back, and I'm ready to take this again. Also, 100% got rid of my GERD. I am a big advocate of rifaximin for IBD-D people."

• rio...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2022

"This is a nightmare drug. I was given this drug for a course of two weeks after testing positive for SIBO, but I only made it 5 days in because the side effects were so intense. Any food or drink at all would set my stomach off to levels I hadn't ever experienced before, I was perpetually exhausted, but I couldn't sleep at all. I developed violent and depressive thoughts. And even after taking it for only 5 days, I'm 3 weeks out from stopping, and these symptoms have only just SLIGHTLY improved (with the help of many, many OTC drugs-I'm sure if I stopped taking those, it'd be just as bad). My entire body feels ruined. I personally know one other person who suffered similarly but for a shorter time thanks to this drug. I would heavily advise people not to take it for this particular condition, in hindsight, it was not worth the risk."

• Dev...
• August 21, 2020

"I've nearly completed a course of rifaximin for SIBO. My burping and bloating after eating are improved, and I'm finally having normal bowel movements. What a relief! (I hope I stay well because I have heard that many people experience a recurrence after treatment.) I did have significant muscle pain and muscle weakness while on the medicine. No other side effects. I will give an update in a few months."

• Roo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2018

"After being very ill for over a year and enduring test after test and medication after medication, I was 40 pounds lighter and living in my bedroom because every smell of food made me nauseous. I had tried Linzess, Amitiza, and Trulance, which all had awful side effects. Finally, a doctor prescribed Xifaxan, even though my breath test came back normal. It took 2 courses to work, but when it did, I felt SO much better and like I had come back to the land of the living! For me, it is a miracle medication. I do have to take repeated courses every couple of months because my symptoms keep returning, and my doctors can’t figure out why. Other than the outrageous price for the medication, it is a miracle medication, and I am grateful my insurance covers it. I was at my wit's end and ready to talk surgery. If you take it, just know that it may take 2 courses to work, so stick with it."

• sib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2019

"I’m on my 5th-7th doses of rifaximin 550 mg tid for small bacterial overgrowth. Have developed difficulty urinating despite drinking tons of water. Also, vague sensation of burning and pain. Urinalysis negative. Curious whether others have had this."

• Pau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2022

"Keeping in mind my GI told me the digestive system is not completely understood, and there is a lot of guesswork. Drugs seemed to work for me. Four years ago, I had extreme bloating and gas pains after eating meatloaf. Two weeks on Rifaximin, and I was back to normal. I was taking the 550. Actually, within three days, I was 80% better. Just had Spanish food a month ago, December 2021. My GF got sick but was fine in 48 hours. I have been sick for a month! My GI explained food poisoning can actually damage the nerves in your intestines and throw the entire system off for months after the infection has left the body. I'm taking 200 mg a day times three. Seven days in, I feel much better, not all the way yet, will take for another week. A low FODMAP diet helps."

• Nom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2019

"I have IBS SIBO, and when I have a bad attack, I take rifaximin 550 2 times daily. I can tell you this drug works overnight for me. I take it for 7 days and have relief for around 7 to 8 weeks. It is a wonder drug for me."

• Zul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2021

"It's a mask for a deeper-rooted issue within your body. I hesitantly took it, and it turned my IBS-D into IBS-C. However, it improved my quality of life a lot. I no longer had to run to the bathroom all of the time. It lasted about 5 months, and my symptoms are starting to show again. If you're okay with having to do this med over and over, this is a good fix for you, but it won't ever solve the problem. I would see a naturopath or holistic doctor instead of taking this and get to the root of your digestion issue. Have them run some tests, like for parasites, food intolerances, parasites, etc. Good luck, and please know you're not alone!"

• Joh...
• June 29, 2017

"I have had severe gas, bloating, and flatulence ever since I was treated for heartburn, turned out I had hiatus hernia and Barrett's esophagus. When I went back to the doctor, he was all about IBS. Gave me rifaximin for 14 days, didn't help me at all, made things worse. Went to another one after a few months, gave me more for 14 days, made things even worse. Now I have so much gas that I can barely get out of the house. Read online and tried rifaximin with metronidazole, and things are as bad as it can get. I simply suggest not to take this medicine, better to try the right diet and naturopathy instead of taking this and making things worse."

• Pam...
• August 20, 2017

"Prescribed this after a long battle of mysterious illness ending with an IBS-D diagnosis. It worked very well while I was on it but right back to ground zero after. I was never advised to follow any diet, etc., while taking the meds, and one thing I've recently read is that you need bile to bind to this med to really work. I have trouble with bile and wish I'd been informed of this. I would have tried ox bile with the script. Those who have not had success may consider this."