Rifaximin for preventing hepatic encephalopathy

>
By  |  April 1, 2010 | 

In this trial of 299 patients with chronic liver disease and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy (in remission), they were randomized to rifaximin (550mg BID) or placebo for 6 months (>90% also received concomitant lactulose). The rifaximin group had significantly reduced risk of recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (Hazard Ratio 0.42, CI 0.28-0.64), occurring in 22% of the rifaximin group and 46% of the placebo group. Risk of hospitalization associated with encephalopathy was also significantly less in the rifaximin group (14% vs 23%). Adverse events were similar between the groups. The risk of recurrent encephalopathy and hospitalizations can be reduced with rifaximin (abstract), however, cost is an issue, as 600mg BID would cost > $1,000/month (drugstore.com)

Share This Post

Leave A Comment

For security, use of Google's reCAPTCHA service is required which is subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

About the Author: Danielle Scheurer

Danielle Scheurer, MD, MSCR, SFHM is a clinical hospitalist and the Chief Quality Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina, where she also serves as Assistant Professor of Medicine. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, completed her residency at Duke University, and completed her Masters in Clinical Research at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is also the President of SHM's Board of Directors and previously served as Physician Editor of The Hospitalist, SHM's monthly newsmagazine.

Categories

Related Posts

November 8, 2019 |  0
Do you have a stack of journals piling up on your desk, beside your bed or in your email inbox? In 1950, medical knowledge was estimated to double every 50 years, but now the doubling time is every few months. At this rate, it is impossible to keep up with the literature, but a group […]
June 29, 2013 |  0
This large systematic review found rectal NSAIDs significantly reduced the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis compared to pancreatic duct stents (abstract).
June 22, 2013 |  0
This large population-based cohort found the most common causes of drug induced liver injury to be augmentin and diclofenac, followed by herbal and nutritional supplements (abstract).
Go to Top