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Rifaximin

FDA-approved product (tablet, oral), marketed as Rifaximin, Xifaxan.

Registered studies
50+
Lab records
0
Pathogens at ≥40%
3 of 4

Chemical structure

Chemical structure of Rifaximin
A drawing shows what the molecule is, not what it does.

Existing / approved use

Documented · FDA, WHO, ChEMBL

Approved for

  • Diarrhea
  • Hepatic failure
  • Infection

Indications ChEMBL records as approved, from FDA and DailyMed labels. Label ↗

WHO therapeutic group
Antibiotics; Other antibiotics for topical use
FDA pharmacologic class
Rifamycin Antibacterial FDA label ↗
Anti-infective classification
Classified as an existing antimicrobial.WHO ATC A07AA11; WHO ATC D06AX11; FDA class Rifamycin Antibacterial

Repurposing investigation

Rifaximin is already an antimicrobial, so it is not counted among the repurposing candidates. Its AI-predicted activity is shown below for reference.

AI-predicted activity

AI prediction · nothing measured
  • MRSA93.8% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • E. coli70.7% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • K. pneumoniae28.6% AI-predicted activityBelow the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.
  • M. tuberculosis87.0% AI-predicted activityAt or above the ≥40% mark this site uses to surface candidates.

A model’s estimate of laboratory activity against each pathogen species. It is not clinical effectiveness.

Evidence

Clinical and experimental

Documented evidence

Clinical

50+registered studies name this medicine, for any condition. The registry search keeps the first 50, so there may be more. See them below.

Experimental

No evidence found

No laboratory measurement against the four pathogens in the ChEMBL records loaded here.

Docking

Computational · nothing measured

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (E. coli)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

KPC-2 carbapenemase ↗ (K. pneumoniae)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) ↗ (M. tuberculosis)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

Dihydrofolate reductase ↗ (MRSA)

Not yet docked: queued in the docking rundetails

AutoDock Vina, one experimentally solved protein per pathogen. This project’s screening target is -7.0 kcal/mol, its own mark rather than a universal cutoff. A docking score is a structural hypothesis, not proof of binding, and requires experimental validation.

Other medicines to investigate

AI prediction · nothing measured

Other repurposing candidates: approved medicines besides Rifaximin with AI-predicted activity ≥40% against the chosen pathogen, leaving out existing antimicrobials. They are computational candidates for further investigation, not alternatives and not recommendations.

Sorted by AI-predicted activity, high to low. The order is not a ranking of which medicine is better.

Registered studies

A registration describes a study; it does not establish a positive result.

  • Microbiota trAnSplant ThERaPy In hEpatiC Encephalopathy (MASTERPIECE)

    NCT07528690 · start 2026-10-30

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07528690
    Conditions
    Hepatic Encephalopathy; Cirrhosis
    Interventions
    Microbiota transplant therapy (MTT) capsules; Placebo capsule
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 2
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-10-30
    Completion
    2031-03-03
    Enrolment
    162

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHepatic Encephalopathy; Cirrhosis
    InterventionMicrobiota transplant therapy (MTT) capsules; Placebo capsule
    PhasePhase 2
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Effect of Multispecies Probiotic Supplementation on the Efficacy of Rifaximin α Therapy in Patients With Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): a Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

    NCT07426705 · start 2026-02-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07426705
    Conditions
    Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome (SIBO); IBS
    Interventions
    Probiotic preparation; Placebo; Rifaximin (drug)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-02-15
    Completion
    2027-07-15
    Enrolment
    100

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSmall Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome (SIBO); IBS
    InterventionProbiotic preparation; Placebo; Rifaximin (drug)
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Efficacy and Safety of Early Initiation of Midodrine for Control and Prevention of Ascites and Its Related Complications in Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure.

    NCT07422948 · start 2026-02-05

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07422948
    Conditions
    Acute on Chronic Liver Failure
    Interventions
    Midodrine; Standard Medical Treatment
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2026-02-05
    Completion
    2027-08-30
    Enrolment
    113

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcute on Chronic Liver Failure
    InterventionMidodrine; Standard Medical Treatment
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Mechanical Bowel Preparation With or Without Oral Antibiotics in Left Sided Colorectal Cancer Surgery

    NCT07429760 · start 2025-08-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT07429760
    Conditions
    Colorectal Cancer
    Interventions
    Rifampicin (R)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Enrolling by invitation
    Start
    2025-08-01
    Completion
    2026-08-30
    Enrolment
    60

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionColorectal Cancer
    InterventionRifampicin (R)
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusEnrolling by invitation
  • Human Albumin Infusion in Liver Cirrhosis and Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy (HACHE)

    NCT06483737 · start 2025-06-24

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06483737
    Conditions
    Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy
    Interventions
    Human albumin infusion at a modified dosage; Human albumin infusion at a routine dosage; Lactulose; Rifaximin; Ornithine Aspartate; Branched-Chain Amino Acids; Arginine
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2025-06-24
    Completion
    2027-06-30
    Enrolment
    174

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionOvert Hepatic Encephalopathy
    InterventionHuman albumin infusion at a modified dosage; Human albumin infusion at a routine dosage; Lactulose; Rifaximin +3 more
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusRecruiting
  • Efficacy of Rifaximin in Patients With Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Presenting With Abdominal Bloating.

    NCT06772064 · start 2025-04-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06772064
    Conditions
    SIBO
    Interventions
    Rifaximin (drug)
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2025-04-15
    Completion
    2025-12-01
    Enrolment
    115

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSIBO
    InterventionRifaximin (drug)
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusRecruiting
  • Goal Directed Ammonia Lowering Therapy in Hyperammonemic ACLF Patients With no Overt HE to Reduce Major Adverse Liver Related Outcomes (GOAL Trial)

    NCT06808009 · start 2025-02-05

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06808009
    Conditions
    Acute on Chronic Liver Failure
    Interventions
    Lactulose; Rifaximin; Standard Medical treatment
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Not yet recruiting
    Start
    2025-02-05
    Completion
    2026-02-28
    Enrolment
    90

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionAcute on Chronic Liver Failure
    InterventionLactulose; Rifaximin; Standard Medical treatment
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusNot yet recruiting
  • Evaluating the Effect Of Rifaximin on the Gut Microbiota and Metabolome in SIBO Using CapScan®

    NCT06298409 · start 2024-02-15

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT06298409
    Conditions
    Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
    Interventions
    CapScan collection capsule
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2024-02-15
    Completion
    2026-02-28
    Enrolment
    34

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionSmall Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
    InterventionCapScan collection capsule
    PhasePhase 1
    Registry statusRecruiting
  • Rifaximin for Preventing Progression and Complications in Patients With Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis

    NCT05863364 · start 2023-08-18

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05863364
    Conditions
    Decompensated Cirrhosis
    Interventions
    Low-dose of Rifaximin; Conventional dose of Rifaximin
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2023-08-18
    Completion
    2025-12-31
    Enrolment
    150

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionDecompensated Cirrhosis
    InterventionLow-dose of Rifaximin; Conventional dose of Rifaximin
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusUnknown
  • Short-term Outcomes of Full Bowel Preparation (MBP+OA) for Colon Cancer Resections Versus no Bowel Preparation

    NCT05546892 · start 2023-02-10

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05546892
    Conditions
    Colon Cancer
    Interventions
    Full bowel preparation prior to colon resection for cancer; No bowel preparation
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Not applicable
    Registry status
    Unknown
    Start
    2023-02-10
    Completion
    2025-09
    Enrolment
    586

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionColon Cancer
    InterventionFull bowel preparation prior to colon resection for cancer; No bowel preparation
    PhaseNot applicable
    Registry statusUnknown
  • To Compare the Efficacy of Drugs in Combination for Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome Associated With Diarrhea

    NCT05867550 · start 2023-01-03

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05867550
    Conditions
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea
    Interventions
    Rifaximin 550 MG; Mebeverine 135 MG; Psyllium Husk; Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 25 MG
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2023-01-03
    Completion
    2023-06-10
    Enrolment
    162

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIrritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea
    InterventionRifaximin 550 MG; Mebeverine 135 MG; Psyllium Husk; Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 25 MG
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Single Dose Antibiotic Treatment of Acute Watery Diarrhea, Rifaximin Versus Azithromycin, With Loperamide Adjunct

    NCT05677282 · start 2022-10-28

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05677282
    Conditions
    Diarrhoea; Acute; Diarrhea Travelers
    Interventions
    Rifaximin 550 MG; Azithromycin 500 MG; Loperamide
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2022-10-28
    Completion
    2025-12
    Enrolment
    150

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionDiarrhoea; Acute; Diarrhea Travelers
    InterventionRifaximin 550 MG; Azithromycin 500 MG; Loperamide
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusRecruiting
  • Comparing the Efficacy of Nitazoxanide Versus Rifaximin in Adult Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Without Constipation

    NCT05453916 · start 2022-07-01

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT05453916
    Conditions
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea
    Interventions
    Nitazoxanide 500Mg Oral Tablet; Rifaximin 550Mg Tab
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry status
    Withdrawn
    Start
    2022-07-01
    Completion
    2024-12-31
    Enrolment
    0

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIrritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea
    InterventionNitazoxanide 500Mg Oral Tablet; Rifaximin 550Mg Tab
    PhasePhase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry statusWithdrawn
  • Efficacy and Safety of Rifaximin With NAC in IBS-D

    NCT04557215 · start 2020-11-13

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04557215
    Conditions
    Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea
    Interventions
    Rifaximin; N-acetylcysteine; Placebo
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry status
    Completed
    Start
    2020-11-13
    Completion
    2022-10-30
    Enrolment
    45

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionIrritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea
    InterventionRifaximin; N-acetylcysteine; Placebo
    PhasePhase 1 / Phase 2
    Registry statusCompleted
  • Prevention of Post-TIPS Hepatic Encephalopathy by Administration of Rifaximin and Lactulose

    NCT04073290 · start 2020-01-21

    Registered record
    Registry ID
    NCT04073290
    Conditions
    Hepatic Encephalopathy; Cirrhosis, Liver; Portal Hypertension; Liver Diseases; Pathological Processes
    Interventions
    Rifaximin 550 milligram Oral Tablet [XIFAXAN]; Placebo oral tablet; Lactulose 667 milligram/milliliter Oral Solution
    Study type
    INTERVENTIONAL
    Phase
    Phase 4
    Registry status
    Recruiting
    Start
    2020-01-21
    Completion
    2026-12-31
    Enrolment
    238

    As stored from ClinicalTrials.gov. Registration describes a study; it does not mean the study worked.

    ConditionHepatic Encephalopathy; Cirrhosis, Liver; Portal Hypertension; Liver Diseases +1 more
    InterventionRifaximin 550 milligram Oral Tablet [XIFAXAN]; Placebo oral tablet; Lactulose 667 milligram/milliliter Oral Solution
    PhasePhase 4
    Registry statusRecruiting