Efficacy of rifaximin in the treatment of symptomatic diverticular disease of the colon. A multicentre double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
In a recent open trial we have shown the efficacy of long term intermittent administration of a poorly absorbable antibiotic (rifaximin) in obtaining symptomatic relief in uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon. The aim of this double-blind placebo-controlled trial was to test our previous observations.


METHODS
One hundred and sixty-eight outpatients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease were treated with fibre supplementation (glucomannan 2 g/day) plus rifaximin 400 mg b.d. for 7 days every month (84 patients), or with glucomannan 2 g/day plus placebo two tablets b.d. for 7 days every month (84 patients). Clinical evaluation was performed at admission and at three-month intervals for 12 months.


RESULTS
After 12 months, 68.9% of the patients treated with rifaximin were symptom-free or mildly symptomatic, compared to 39.5% in the placebo group (P = 0.001). Symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain or discomfort were primarily affected by antibiotic treatment when compared with placebo (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Rifaximin appears to be of some advantage in obtaining symptomatic relief in diverticular disease of the colon when compared with fibre supplementation alone.
Papi
C
C
Department of Digestive Diseases & Nutrition, Ospedale S. Filippo Neri, Rome, Italy.
Ciaco
A
A
Koch
M
M
Capurso
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008351:Mannans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D012294:Rifamycins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000078262:Rifaximin
D004043:Dietary Fiber; D008351:Mannans; D012294:Rifamycins; C022901:(1-6)-alpha-glucomannan; D000078262:Rifaximin