Comparing nitazoxanide and rifaximin for treating diarrhea in IBS patients

A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Nitazoxanide Versus Rifaximin in Adult Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Without Constipation

PHASE1; PHASE2 · Sadat City University · NCT05453916

This study is testing whether nitazoxanide or rifaximin works better to help adults with irritable bowel syndrome who have diarrhea feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1; PHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorSadat City University (other)
Locations1 site (Sadat City, Menoufia)
Trial IDNCT05453916 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of nitazoxanide versus rifaximin in treating diarrhea associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults. Participants will receive a 2-week course of either medication, followed by a 10-week evaluation period to assess the long-term efficacy in alleviating IBS symptoms. The study focuses on patients who meet specific criteria related to their IBS symptoms and dietary restrictions. By analyzing the outcomes, the research seeks to determine which treatment offers better relief for patients suffering from diarrhea-predominant IBS.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with diarrhea-predominant IBS and have active symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with liver disease, malignancies, severe malabsorption, or those on medications affecting bowel function may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a more effective treatment option for managing diarrhea associated with IBS.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on IBS treatments, this specific comparison of nitazoxanide and rifaximin is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients 18 years of age or older.
* Patients suffering from diarrhea-predominant IBS according to Rome III criteria.
* Active symptoms for at least 2 weeks
* Abdominal Pain Intensity: weekly average of worst daily (in past 24 hours) abdominal pain score of \> 3.0 on a 0-to-10-point scale and Stool Consistency: at least one stool with a consistency of Type 6 or Type 7 Bristol stool score (BSS) on at least 2 days per week
* Report no restriction whatsoever on their diet.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of liver disease, malignancy, severe malabsorption, bedridden, endocrinological disorders, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
* Patients who have undergone abdominal surgeries except for appendectomy and/or cholecystectomy and/or hysterectomy.
* Patients who consumed any medications that may affect bowel function within the last 2 weeks such as antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, narcotics, or any other medication that may alter bowel function
* Patients on antidepressants or antipsychotics starting within the last six weeks before eligibility check.

Where this trial is running

Sadat City, Menoufia

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Diarrhea

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.