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Compare Xifaxan vs. Viberzi

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Xifaxan (rifaximin) and Viberzi (eluxadoline) are both prescription medications used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), but they work in different ways and have different uses. Xifaxan is a rifamycin antibiotic that stops bacteria from making proteins they need to survive, and it can also treat travelers' diarrhea and prevent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults. Xifaxan is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day. Common side effects include swelling, dizziness, and fatigue. Viberzi, on the other hand, is an antidiarrheal medication that attaches to opioid receptors in the intestines to reduce abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is taken twice a day with food and is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse. Common side effects of Viberzi include constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain. Viberzi shouldn't be taken by people without a gallbladder or those who drink a lot of alcohol due to the risk of pancreatitis.

  • Xifaxan (rifaximin)
    Viberzi (eluxadoline)
  • Xifaxan (rifaximin)
    Viberzi (eluxadoline)

  • Summary of Xifaxan vs. Viberzi

    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.

    Summary for Opioid receptor agonist/antagonist
    Prescription only

    Viberzi (eluxadoline) is a prescription medication used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults. It works on the opioid receptor to help ease symptoms such as stomach pain and diarrhea. You typically take a dose by mouth twice a day with food. Because of its potential for misuse and dependence, it’s considered a controlled substance. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Xifaxan vs. Viberzi

    Indications for
    •Treatment of travelers' diarrhea caused by E. coli in people ages 12 years and older
    •Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults
    •Prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in adults
    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Xifaxan vs. Viberzi

    Pros and Const for Rifamycin antibiotic
    Pros
    •Works well for travelers' diarrhea, HE, and IBS-D
    •Can treat travelers' diarrhea in children 12 years and older
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Need to take 2 to 3 times per day, depending on why you're taking it
    •Only available as tablets
    •Might not be the best option for people with severe liver problems
    Pros and Const for Opioid receptor agonist/antagonist
    Pros
    •Tablet that's taken by mouth
    •Typically works within a week
    •Approved for males and females with IBS-D
    Cons
    •Must be taken twice a day with food
    •Is a controlled substance
    •Risk of pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas

  • Common Side Effects of Xifaxan vs. Viberzi

    Common Side Effects for

    Travelers' diarrhea:

    •Headache (10%)

    IBS-D:

    •Nausea (2-3%)

    HE:

    •Swelling in hands and feet (15%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Tiredness (12%)
    •Extra stomach fluid and swelling (11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (8%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Stomach pain (7%)

  • Warnings of Xifaxan vs. Viberzi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening of travelers' diarrhea
    •Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreatitis
    •Bile duct muscle spasm
    •Allergic reactions
    •Constipation

  • Prices with our coupons for Xifaxan vs. Viberzi

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    Learn more about Viberzi

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