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.
