Research Article

A Novel Approach to Diarrhea Management The Fixed Dosage Combination of Rifaximin and Metronidazole

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, endemic infectious diarrhea is a common issue brought on by a confluence of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, which are often used, have the potential to cause adverse effects even though they are beneficial for certain types of severe diarrhea. Goal: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a fixed-dose combination of metronidazole and rifaximin as a substitute therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute diarrhea. study design: 370 individuals with acute diarrhea caused by a variety of reasons participated in a multicenter, open-label, non-comparative, and non-randomized study. Methodology: For five days, patients received a pill that included a fixed-dose combination of 400 mg of metronidazole and 200 mg of rifaximin twice a day. Changes in the frequency of loose or watery stools, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and gas/flatulence from day 1 to day 5 were the main outcomes assessed. In order to evaluate efficacy and tolerability, the researchers conducted a worldwide assessment utilizing a 3-point rating system (Excellent, Good, and Poor). Throughout the course of the trial, adverse medication reactions were tracked. Results: Following a 5-day treatment, the mean frequency of watery stools per day dramatically diminished from 7.853 ± 3.773 to 0.766 ± 0.949 (P < .001). No participants exhibited fever or vomiting, whereas a small number reported nausea (0.31%), abdominal pain (0.31%), and gas/flatulence (0.93%) by the conclusion of the trial. The investigators’ assessment indicated that all patients reported good to exceptional effectiveness and tolerability. Conclusion: The combination therapy of rifaximin and metronidazole is both clinically efficacious and safe for treating acute diarrhea resulting from various etiologies, presenting a novel treatment option for its management.