Management of Diverticular Disease: Is There Room for Rifaximin?

Vol. 51, Suppl. 1, 2005

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 107 KB)

Rifaximin: A Poorly Absorbed Antibiotic
Pharmacology and Clinical Use
Guest Editor: Carmelo Scarpignato, Parma

Paper

Management of Diverticular Disease: Is There Room for Rifaximin?
Claudio Papi, Maurizio Koch, Lucio Capurso

Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, S. Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy

Address of Corresponding Author

Chemotherapy 2005;51 (Suppl. 1):110-114 (DOI: 10.1159/000081997)

Key Words

Diverticular disease
Diverticulitis
Antibiotics
Rifaximin

Abstract

Treatment of symptomatic diverticular disease of the colon is aimed at the relief of symptoms and the prevention of major complications. The efficacy of fiber supplementation and of anticholinergic and spasmolytic agents remains controversial. Antibiotics are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory complications of diverticular disease. Data from open labelled and randomized controlled trials do suggest the efficacy of rifaximin in obtaining symptomatic relief in patients with diverticular disease. Approximately 30% therapeutic gain compared to fiber supplementation only can be expected after one year of intermittent treatment with rifaximin. Considering the safety and tolerability of rifaximin, this drug can be recommended for patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease.

Author Contacts

Claudio Papi, MD
Unità Operativa di Gastroenterologia, Ospedale S. Filippo Neri
via Martinotti 20
IT-00135 Roma (Italy)
Tel. +39 06 33062245, Fax +39 06 33062641, E-Mail c.papi@tin.it

Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 49

Medline Abstract (ID 15855755)

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