Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Rifaximin Ibs

Question:
As mentioned in another thread, partner has been diagnosed with IBS. We actually think that it is more likely to be small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Whatever, we are convinced that something about hypothyroidism or the treatment (i.e. levothyroxine) has precipitated this. So we are doing what any one would do - trying to find an answer. One of the intriguing things is frequent reference to Rifaximin - a non-systemic antibiotic. Made by Salix and trade marked XIFAXAN, Rifaximin sounds potentially useful. However, I can find no trace of it in the UK. (I guess that it is not licensed here). Just wondering if anyone has any idea where it might be possible to purchase it? All I can find are dead links to peculiar places in Mexico(hardly confidence inspiring).

Answer:
May not work for anything except e coli - http://rxlist.com/cgi/generic/xifaxan_wcp.htm XIFAXAN™ Tablets were not found to be effective in patients with diarrhea complicated by fever and/or blood in the stool or diarrhea due to pathogens other than Escherichia coli. XIFAXAN™ The above leads to a site to order, but you may need a prescription - http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/prices/drugprice.asp?ndc=6564903010... If it were me, and I thought I had internal bacteria, virus, yeast (candida) I would take Lugol's Iodine Solution - http://users.mrbean.net.au/~wlast/candida.html Lugol's solution is an internal iodine solution designed to eliminate Candida and possibly viruses and other microbes from the bloodstream. Obtain 100ml of Lugol's solution, also labelled Aqueous Iodine Oral Solution B.P., from a chemist. Take a test drop in liquid other then just water to make it taste less strong. If this does not cause an allergic reaction, continue to take 4 x 6 drops daily in liquid or mixed with food, but not together with vitamins A, C, E, grape seed extract or cysteine. Iodine is an oxidant and it is best to reduce the intake of antioxidants while using it. I've taken the 6 drops four times daily as suggested periodically, and more.  It's not nearly as dangerous as doctors or some in this group think. http://www.drclark.net/info/baddigestion.htm Kill Salmone/las daily for a month by taking Lugol's iodine (6 drops in a half cup water, after meals and bedtime, see Rec4ws). Other non-prescription antibiotics include fresh, crushed garlic. Ginger works for nausea. http://www.aidsmeds.com/lessons/Nausea5.htm Two herbs said to be helpful in controlling diarrhea are peppermint and ginger. Drinking peppermint or ginger tea, or ginger ale, may help calm the gut and help you to regain some control over your diarrhea. Given the iodine content of Lugol's, is there not the possibility of adversely affecting partner's thyroid status? Partner's favourite sweet is ginger coated in dark chocolate - preferably from Charbonnel et Walker. What are you trying to do - give her an excuse? (I suppose I should admit that mine is probably peppermint similarly coated.) Depends. Lack of iodine can cause hypothyroidism. (If the thyroid suddenly becomes more active, it could cure her thyroid problem). Lack of iodine can cause hyperthyroidism.  (But it can also slow down a hyperthyroid storm). Lack of iodine can be the root cause of Hashimoto's in some cases. (But, by the time it progresses it might be too late to help it with iodine, and it may only cause problems.  But, there are a few doctors who will treat Hashi's with iodine strangely enough). It is true, a few people have bad responses to iodine.  That's quite infrequent.  And, just because they're allergic to seafood doesn't mean that they have problems with iodine. According to Dr. Derry, if the thyroid is adequately treated, it's shut off from iodine absorption and won't be affected by Lugol's Solution.  So, it may depend in part the status of any thyroid treatment. I think it far safer than most of the drugs the doctors give.  (Which wouldn't be hard as the medical profession itself called them the fourth leading cause of death in the USA.) If it were me, and I was in really bad shape, I'd try it as I have done so.  Unfortunately, I can't guarantee it as risk free. I might think about what it could do to me.  What's the worst?  An allergic reaction might send me to the emergency room.  If they give Prednisone for that, I might make it a point to keep on hand just in case. The only other reaction I might fear is a hyperthyroid one with extreme heart rate.  I already keep the beta blocker, Inderall on hand just in case I take too much thyroid medication by accident.  It slows the dangerous heart rate down quite quickly.  (Probably not a good idea to take before a public speech or presentation just because it helps with stage fright, but I may have done that a time or two). However, I don't know anyone whose ever died of an iodine overdose (whereas my uncle died from taking too much Tylenol for pain, something the makers led us to think was almost risk free). Once upon a time, it was used quite commonly for many different ailments. Having used Armour Thyroid, something most doctors seem to fear, I can tell you they greatly exaggerate its risks. Having taken Cipro, a very dangerous antibiotic, I can tell you they understate its risk, because it probably shouldn't be given to anyone not on their deathbed. I'm saying the medical profession would likely tell you taking Lugol's is dangerous (but, if you lived in Poland during the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, they gave it to you to prevent thyroid cancer.)  But they don't like anything that's relatively cheap or avoids an office visit. They're perfectly willing to give you dangerous drugs which have a good profit margin. So, she likes ginger with one of the better sources of magnesium, as well as antioxidants.  Magnesium can be a miracle cure for those who are low in it (and very bad for those who have elevated levels.)