Rifaximin in patients with lactose intolerance.
BACKGROUND
Abdominal symptoms linked to lactose malabsorption may be caused by metabolic activity of colonic bacteria. Rifaximin, a non-absorbable rifampycin derivative, is active against colonic bacteria, it may be useful in the treatment of lactose intolerance.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study has been to evaluate short-term rifaximin therapy in patients with lactose intolerance.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with lactose intolerance diagnosed using the hydrogen lactose breath test were studied. Fourteen patients received rifaximin 800 mg/day for 10 days, 13 patients followed a diet without milk for 40 days and 5 patients received a placebo for 10 days. Total breath H(2) excretion expressed as area under the curve, and the symptom score were evaluated in all patients at the start, and subsequently after 10 and 40 days.


RESULTS
In the 14 patients who received rifaximin for 10 days, area under the curve at day 10 and day 40 was statistically significantly lower than the one computed at basal (P<0.01). Diet reduced area under the curve progressively reaching statistical significance at day 40, while the placebo did not change area under the curve throughout the study. The total symptom score significantly improved after rifaximin and diet.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with lactose intolerance, a 10-day therapy with rifaximin as well as 40-day diet without lactose reduces the area under the curve and the symptom score.
Cappello
G
G
Department of Medicine and Ageing, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
Marzio
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012294:Rifamycins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000078262:Rifaximin
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D012294:Rifamycins; D000078262:Rifaximin