Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Ibsrela (tenapanor) and Xifaxan (rifaximin) are both prescription medications, but they treat different types of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Ibsrela is used for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It works by preventing sodium absorption in the gut, which utliamtely helps soften stool and works on the nerves in the gut to relieve stomach pain.Ibsrela is taken twice a day. Common side effects include diarrhea, bloating, and gas. On the other hand, Xifaxan is an antibiotic used for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) as well as travelers' diarrhea caused by *E. coli*, and to prevent hepatic encephalopathy. It works by stopping bacteria from making proteins that they need to survive, which prevents bacteria from growing and spreading. Xifaxan is taken it two to three times a day, dpending on why you are taking it. It's main side effect associated with IBS-D is nausea. Xifaxan can be taken with or without food, unlike Ibsrela which has to be taken before a meal.
Ibsrela (tenapanor)
Xifaxan (rifaximin)
Ibsrela (tenapanor)
Xifaxan (rifaximin)
Summary of Ibsrela vs. Xifaxan
Summary for Sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitor
Prescription only
Ibsrela (tenapanor) is used to treat adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). This medication belongs to the drug class called sodium/hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) inhibitors. Ibsrela (tenapanor) is a tablet that's taken by mouth twice per day. There aren't many side effects, but the most common is diarrhea. Other side effects include bloating, gas, and dizziness.
Summary for Rifamycin antibiotic
Prescription only
Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a rifamycin antibiotic that's used to treat people 12 years and older with travelers' diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). The medication can also treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and prevent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults. Xifaxan (rifaximin) is a tablet that's taken by mouth 2 to 3 times per day, depending on the medical condition you're using it for. Side effects generally include swelling, dizziness, and fatigue.