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Rifaximin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

Brand names: Xifaxan

Rifaximin has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 155 reviews on Drugs.com. 57% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 33% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Rifaximin

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Chr...
  • July 31, 2016

Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "The Target brand Acidophilus probiotic helped relieve my initial symptoms of IBS (gas every morning and reduced the frequency throughout the day, brain fog, and heavy stomach cramping). My gastroenterologist gave me a free 30-day sample to check its effectiveness on me in 2014. Xifaxan was not as effective as my acidophilus, gave me the urge to urinate too frequently, didn't stop my frequent gas (one of my main concerns), and is way too expensive to use on a daily basis. I'm still looking for a permanent solution as the Target Acidophilus has stopped working for me. Now I use the Country Life Acidophilus as it gives the most relief (except gas), is affordable, and comes with 250 tablets in a bottle so I don't run out as quickly."

2 / 10
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  • Sam...
  • January 22, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "So about 6 years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS/acid reflux and was put on Librax and Omeprazole MD. It kept me out of the hospital (for the most part) but still left me in pain. About two years ago, I quit smoking and took out gluten and dairy from my life, and everything was awesome! BUT THEN... about 2 months ago, the pain came back the way it had years ago, but 10-fold. So I went to a new GI, and he had tested me for something I never heard of, SIBO, and it came back positive. He immediately prescribed me this medication. This is my second day on it, and all I can say is I pray it works. I have read some reviews speaking of headaches and cramping, I have experienced both, however, like I said, it’s only my second day on it. I hope it works and fast because I am typing this while hunched over in pain."

6 / 10
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  • Mel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 26, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "6th day with difficulty noted only when I eat high FODMAP foods. Taking this for SIBO-methane positive. A few difficult times, but directly related to foods I’m eating. Possibly “die off” symptoms... if I’d been unaware of this, I would’ve believed I should stop the meds. As it is, I think it’s a sign that it’s working. Although physical symptoms have been uncomfortable, my mood and acne have been under control. I don’t know how I’ll feel after this, but I’m tolerating it well so far. I feel like I’m waging war on the bad bacteria trying to hide out on my gut lining."

7 / 10
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  • War...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 21, 2019

For Crohn's Disease "Experienced a Crohn's flare after 2 years remission and couldn’t leave my house for 4 days. Finally went to my primary doctor since my GI doc didn’t have an appointment sooner, and they Pdoc prescribed 60 mg of prednisone. It wasn’t helping much, it just minimized the pain and didn’t touch the other dreaded symptoms. I remembered my GI doctor giving me rifaximin two years ago and called my primary doctor and asked for a prescription, and 2 days later my pain is reduced by 80%, bowel movements are reduced from 10-20 a day to 3-5, and my energy is returning. I feel this, plus the steroids working in tandem, is making all the difference. I feel a lot better already and hopeful that I continue with this positive response as I did two years ago with this drug. Two years ago, I felt like a normal person and stayed in remission this whole time. I have had a tremendous amount of stress lately and believe it brought on my flare. I’m glad to see that rifaximin is helping other Crohn's sufferers as well, and this is promising news."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 14, 2019

Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Xifaxan was super helpful and worked for my IBS for the first week, then stopped working. I think it might be because I accidentally got the pills wet, because that seems to be the point where my symptoms came back. Going to try to get my doctor's office to give me some free samples, as my insurance won’t cover it again for another 3 months."

6 / 10
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  • Eas...
  • May 3, 2020

For Crohn's Disease "I am 38 years old. I have had bowel issues my whole life, diagnosed with Crohn's disease (CD) when I was 15. I ended up having issues with SIBO 1.5 years ago and honestly felt hopeless as my symptoms worsened. My skin was dull, breaking out, terrible gas, bloating, and I was so tired I could barely function. My naturopath is the one who finally told me about rifaximin, my specialist refused to try me on it. After discussing with my family doctor, he finally agreed to prescribe it. It is expensive, but I was willing to try anything at this point. Within the first 24 hours, I knew that it was working. My dose was 550 mg 3 times a day for four weeks. I am currently into my second week. I feel better than I have in years. I am so thankful to have found this medication. I did have headaches and some gas/pain on and off the first week, which is normal with die-off. My skin has cleared up, and I feel normal again. I hope that once I finish the medication, this continues."

10 / 10
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  • MCA...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 6, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Gastro said to take for SIBO with constipation. Didn’t want to give neomycin too as very strong. Had some minor improvements while taking rifaximin for 14 days 2x550mg a day, but afterwards became more constipated and worsened GERD."

2 / 10
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  • ano...
  • August 10, 2009

For Traveler's Diarrhea "This drug works miracles. I went on vacation with family, had dinner at a non-American food buffet. I was careful what I ate but got sick before we left the restaurant. Three weeks of misery, called the doctor, got rifaximin, and was feeling 90% improved by the second day of treatment. Amazing, amazing, amazing drug!"

10 / 10
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  • Tum...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 9, 2018

For Crohn's Disease "I was just diagnosed with Crohn's disease in July 2018. I have lost 47 lbs in 2 months. They tried the traditional medicine and added the rifaximin. In a few days, I could feel the difference. I went from 6 pain pills a day to NONE AT ALL. It gave me my life back. I was hospitalized 3 times. I am now eating, back to work, and feeling like me again. I still have more surgery to go, but the pain is gone, and bowel movements are normal. This drug is the best."

10 / 10
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  • jet...
  • October 27, 2016

For Hepatic Encephalopathy "I live on a fixed budget, also paying for my nursing home. $892.00 for 60 pills is ridiculous. I will quit taking these pills. These pharmaceutical companies just take it to us as much as they can. We need more regulations on how much they can charge us. We have a choice to pay or not. I will let nature take its course."

2 / 10
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  • Go ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 14, 2017

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I tried Rifaximin at the suggestion of family who did not feel like my natural functional healthcare practitioner was helping me out very much. It was totally against her philosophy of treatment, but I jumped for it anyway. It was a mistake. For the first few days on the drug, it did seem to calm down my system a bit. But now, one and a half months after using it, my bloating is as bad as it has ever been. Even the foods that, before I took it, did not bother me now do bother me. I was making slow but steady progress using Standard Process supplements, staying away from starches and FODMAPs, and practicing proper food combining before using Rifaximin. Would not suggest this unless you have exhausted all other options."

3 / 10
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  • Ple...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • March 16, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Suffered with increasing IBS-D symptoms for several years, modified diet, lifestyle with partial results that, while effective, did not prevent long bouts of more severe symptoms following a setback in diet regimen or infection. Prescribed rifaximin 12 months ago, noticed improvement in several days with minor side effects, some of which were similar to the prior symptoms, likely caused by too much starchy food, but over several days felt very good, even good enough to try different foods. Very effective in clearing up symptoms, primarily IBS, with associated improvement in other symptoms. I have since relapsed twice, approximately every six months, and take rifaximin after a week or two or if I am planning on traveling and eating out, as suggested by my doctor. I have been happy with the results, but do follow a strict low-FODMAP, limited sugar diet and no longer tolerate alcohol in any more than limited amounts."

10 / 10
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  • Hol...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 15, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Took the drug to treat IBS-D, it was very expensive at 400 bucks for two weeks' worth. After taking only 4 pills, I got severe diarrhea along with extreme bloating that lasted all night. I was so hoping for some magic, but it was not to be. Will not continue with this drug because it was so bad for me."

1 / 10
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  • Rif...
  • November 27, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "The first time I took rifaximin, it had a slight improvement for my SIBO. I felt if I ate well, it did wonders, but if I ate badly, I was man down. I tried a second course 2 months later that didn't help me in any way, and in fact, I have never recovered to pre-rifaximin course."

2 / 10
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  • rot...
  • January 8, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I am actually taking this for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). First time I took it, didn't work because I had methane (bad gas). Then I took it with neomycin, and together it did wonders for me. Now, a year later, SIBO is back but it's hydrogen gas. This helped the first few days, then I had pasta and alcohol, and I've been suffering for 3 days. Need to stick with a low FODMAP diet on this. I'm not impressed at all. With neomycin, I could eat all foods with minimal reaction. Now I'm not sure it's working."

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 27, 2022

Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Was 3 x a day at 550 mg. Had dry mouth, irritated throat, hard to swallow foods. Abdomen swelled. Became constipated. Lowered dosage to 2 x a day after 5 days. Drank throat coat tea to help dry throat. Stopped taking after 7 days."

5 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 10, 2021

Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I've been through this med 3 times. The first two times barely worked (they worked while I took it), but symptoms immediately came back. The 3rd time I took it, I also ate a BelliWelli bar every day because my friend recommended them. They are brownies made for IBS and have probiotics. I think it was the combination of those with the Xifaxan that eventually worked. The 3rd time I took Xifaxan with the BelliWellis, I had no symptoms after taking."

9 / 10
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  • SHa...
  • August 5, 2020

Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Worked great! Took a couple of treatments. I have not had a problem with IBS since. No side effects. The reviews about SIBO should be removed from the IBS reviews. This drug is indicated for IBS-D, not for SIBO."

10 / 10
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  • Joe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 10, 2018

Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "Started to take this 2 days ago. I have IBS-C for years but has been getting worse. Bloating, gas, foggy brain, no energy, especially in mornings, mild depression, insomnia from gas pains at night. So far, nothing. FODMAP diet helps along with exercise, probiotics, and occasional Metamucil. Won't rate till done with script."

3 / 10
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  • DS ...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 28, 2024

For Diarrhea "Had IBS for 20 years. Continuous loose bowels to the point that I had to wear pads to keep from leaking if I coughed or sneezed. I worked outdoors and traveled at least once a year into tropical jungles. Had been checked for parasites, etc., numerous times. Nothing helped. Until my new gastroenterologist looked at my record and expressed anger that no one had prescribed this antibiotic. I never found out what bacteria it was but suspected I had SIBO. He gave me samples, and I had immediate relief. Paid for 14 days of meds and haven't had issues for over 10 years. So happy, I cried."

10 / 10
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  • No...
  • August 21, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Got rifaximin prescribed for SIBO without an official diagnosis. No testing was done for SIBO—just the doctor's assumption from the symptoms I was having. I took it for 3 days (3x a day), and I HAD to quit. The stomach pain/cramping is unbearable. I have bouts of nausea constantly, and I have more diarrhea than ever. I wasn’t even suffering from diarrhea before this drug. Pretty disappointed and upset. I hope these side effects are not long-term, considering I cut my dosage short—for obvious reasons."

1 / 10
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  • xif...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • March 26, 2025

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "The very best medicine for my IBSD. My horrible stomach pain and diarrhea are better in less than 3 days. I have always had great results within 2 to 3 days of Xifaxan. I take it for 10 to 14 days, 3 times a day. Thanks to my doctor for putting me on it!!"

10 / 10
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  • cat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 16, 2023

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "I started taking Zaxine 550 mg three times a day for 2 weeks but had to stop after 6 days. I had trouble with watery diarrhea. I called the doctor, he said to stop the medication. I had stomach pain and diarrhea a couple of hours after eating. Afraid to eat because I will be running to the washroom and can't leave the house. I hope it clears up soon. Can anyone tell me how long I will be waiting?"

1 / 10
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  • JJS...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 4, 2024

Rifaximin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea "44 yo male. Suffered from IBS-D for about a year. Bloating after meals, painful cramps in abdomen most of the day. Diarrhea 3 times a day and farts nonstop that I couldn’t trust: Xifaxan is a great medication. It’s been 4 days; by day two, it stopped everything other than some of the bloating. I have one large, perfect bowel movement every day! No more cramps! No more scary farts! Feels so amazing to have relief from these symptoms. Still some bloating on day 4, but with one digestive enzyme capsule after a meal, it’s gone within 20 min. Only negative so far is foot pain. Neuropathy, it feels like. Tingling and pins and needles; sharp pain. Hurts to walk on feet, even hurts with feet up sitting or laying down. This is frustrating. Have to speak with my gastroenterologist today to see what I can do about this. Other than that, it’s a miracle drug. Insurance covered it; I’m blessed/lucky to have a good policy."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 2, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was put on this to try to treat SIBO. Never got a SIBO test, though. I only have 4 days to go, but I need to stop, I can't finish. I've already gained 5 pounds and am more bloated and painful than where I started. This drug is bad, and I hope my bloating that I got from this goes down soon."

1 / 10
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