Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea is an important cause of morbidity in patients treated with antibiotics, especially in hospital. Clinical relapse occurs after up to 30% of initially successful treatments for colitis. Preliminary reports suggest that Rifaximin, a poorly absorbed antibiotic used to treat travellers diarrhoea can prevent relapse. We plan to carry out a randomised placebo controlled trial to test the hypothesis that Rifaximin given in a reducing dose over 4 weeks after successful treatment will reduce the relapse rate.
Aims i) To examine efficacy of a follow-on course of Rifaximin given after a successful initial course of standard treatment, in the prevention of relapse in C. difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD). ii) To examine changes in faecal microbiota in patients given Rifaximin vs. Placebo. Treatment 4 weeks treatment with Rifaximin or Placebo tablets. Tapering dose starting with 2 x 200mg tablets three times a day (total = 1.2g per day) for the 1st 2 weeks, reduced to 1 x 200mg tablet three times a day (total = 0.6g per day) for the 2nd 2 weeks. Primary endpoint: The difference in % relapse between Rifaximin and placebo at 12 weeks
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
151
Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU), Queen's Medical Centre
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Difference in % relapse between Rifaximin and placebo at 12 weeks
The difference in % relapse between Rifaximin and placebo at 12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks
Proportion relapsed, re-hospitalisation and bowel symptoms
Secondary endpoints: Clinical: 1. Proportion with relapse of CDAD within 6 months 2. Proportion re-hospitalised for CDAD within 6 months 3. Length of in-hospital stay following start of treatment Exploratory: 1. Stool frequency and consistency during 12 weeks after start of treatment 2. Microbiological assessments
Time frame: 12 weeks - 6 months
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