Interaction between rifaximin and dietary fibre in patients with diverticular disease

Summary Background Cyclic administration of rifaximin in association with dietary fibre achieves symptomatic relief in uncomplicated diverticular disease (DD) by means of a still undefined mechanism. Aim To investigate the effects of a combination of rifaximin and fibre on both hydrogen production by intestinal microflora and oro‐anal transit time. Methods In a controlled, double‐blind crossover trial, 64 patients with uncomplicated DD were given bran (20 g/day) and randomly treated with rifaximin (1200 mg/day) or a placebo for 14 days. Evaluation was based on clinical status, breath test, oro‐anal transit time and faecal weight. Results The global symptomatic score was significantly reduced after rifaximin (7.1 ± 4.1 to 4.1 ± 3.3; P