SIBO antibiotics help reduce bacterial overgrowth, while vitamin, calcium, and magnesium supplements help address nutritional deficiencies.
SIBO can be categorized in two ways:
Antibiotics are used to treat both types of the disease.
However, methane-dominant SIBO may require you to take fiber along with antibiotics.
Gam1983 / Getty Images
If you’re prescribed antibiotics for SIBO, you’ll likely be asked to take them for two weeks.
If symptoms persist or reoccur, you may be prescribed a different one.
In the body, Xifaxan is not absorbed into the bloodstream.
Another benefit is that Xifaxan has little impact on bacteria in the large intestine.
This lowers the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms and yeast infections, which are common with other antibiotics.
While some side effects are possible, in general, Xifaxan is considered a safe medication.
In most clinical trials, higher dosages are more effective than lower doses.
In clinical practice, Xifaxan is most often prescribed in courses of two weeks.
Other antibiotics may be prescribed simultaneously or in tandem with repeated courses prescribed as needed.
Elemental Diet
Theelemental dietis a diet restricted to medically formulated liquids.
Nutrients are consumed in their most elemental form so it’s easy to digest and absorb them.
More research is needed to understand the benefits of this hard-to-follow dietary plan.
The Low-FODMAP Diet
Thelow-FODMAP dietwas designed to reduce the symptoms of IBS.
However, as of yet, there are no clinical studies on the subject.
Some experts think the diet may reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic treatment because it makes bacteria dormant.
Instead, it’s recommended that you eat a normal diet while on antibiotics.
After the course of antibiotics, you canfollow the low-FODMAP dietto prevent future SIBO recurrences.
Some of these defects may be correctable through surgery.
Until then, other possible options are being explored as possible safe, effective treatments for SIBO.
They may also prevent the recurrence of SIBO.
Prokinetic Medications
Prokineticmedications are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders andacid reflux.
Probiotics
Probiotic supplementsmay be helpful for treating SIBO.
Probiotics may also help antibiotics like Xifaxan work better.
However, more research is needed to better understand the relationship between probiotics and SIBO.
Preventing Relapse
Despite success in treating SIBO with medication, relapses are common.
Not much is known about the best way to prevent SIBO symptoms from returning.
The recommended course of action is to prescribe a course of antibiotics rather than have people modify their diet.
If necessary another course of antibiotics is prescribed.
It can be difficult to understand what those diet modifications would look like.
It may be helpful to follow the low-FODMAP diet for a short time.
Antibiotics are often completely effective at treating SIBO.
However, it may take multiple antibiotics, or you may need repeat treatments if SIBO recurs.
SIBO can be complicated by other medical conditions that affect digestion.
Taking care of these diseases and conditions can reduce the amount of bacteria in your intestines and stop inflammation.
Researchers continue to look for treatments that help with easing SIBO symptoms.
2021;13(1):1933313. doi:10.1080%2F19490976.2021.1933313
I.M.
Matters from ACP.Rethinking SIBO in the microbiome era.
2019;39(2):111-115.
Shayto RH, Abou Mrad R, Sharara AI.Use of rifaximin in gastrointestinal and liver diseases.WJG.
2019;10(10):e00078.
doi:10.14309/ctg.0000000000000078
Bielawska B, Allard JP.Parenteral nutrition and intestinal failure.Nutrients.
2014;146(1):67-75.e5.
2017;13(1):3645.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes and digestion.
2017;29(6).
2020;12(6):e8860.
2018;9(4):146. doi:10.1038/s41424-018-0011-x
Ruscio M.Is SIBO a real condition?Altern Ther Health Med.
2019;25(5):30-38.
2022;11(20):6017. doi:10.3390/jcm11206017
