Introduction to Rifaximin
Rifaximin, CAS 80621-81-4, is a semi-synthetic antibiotic derived from rifamycin, a compound originally isolated from the bacterium Amycolatopsis mediterranei. It is primarily used to treat gastrointestinal conditions due to its unique pharmacokinetic properties, which allow it to act locally within the gut without significant systemic absorption. This characteristic makes Rifaximin particularly effective for treating conditions like traveler’s diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea, and hepatic encephalopathy. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies worldwide, Rifaximin has become a cornerstone in the management of these conditions.