Tinnitus Caused by Xifaxan (Rifaximin)?

[KQ7]

Has anyone had their tinnitus START from taking Xifaxan (Rifaximin)? Mine started after taking it for two days. I stopped taking it immediately.

The GI doctor says she's never heard of this happening. I know it is not a highly ototoxic drug, as it is supposed to stay in the gut (I was taking it for SIBO).

I have an appt with an ENT in a few days. Is this too late to be seen? I don't know how to get in any earlier...

Thank you in advance.

 

[Johan82]

Well, I haven't read that this medication can cause tinnitus. Although maybe indirectly. It can cause depression, dizziness and anxiety.

Good thing you stopped taking it. Most of the time tinnitus caused by ototoxic medication will go away when you stop taking it. Perhaps not immediately; it can take days or weeks. Best is not to panic.

How loud is your tinnitus? Do you hear a hiss or a constant beep tone? I assume you can only hear it in bed at night?

Read this thread:

Rifaximin for SIBO — Can It Increase My Tinnitus?

Some say it increased their tinnitus taking it for a day or two. But it went back to baseline when they stopped.

So it is good not to take it, and just wait a couple of days longer.

 

[Guest48603]

I have taken Rifaximin many times with no issues. That doesn't prove anything, but I tend to be fairly sensitive to antibiotics and Rifaximin is one of the few I can tolerate. It's not systemic, doesn't enter your bloodstream, so it shouldn't cause any issues. It's probably just a coincidence or anxiety.

 

[imzack]

I would love an update on this, and if the tinnitus ever subsided.

I blame my tinnitus on the Neomycin, not the Rifaximin. Though I was taking both.

I'm on 8 months so far.

 

[Óscar PP]

Has anyone had their tinnitus START from taking Xifaxan (Rifaximin)? Mine started after taking it for two days. I stopped taking it immediately.

The GI doctor says she's never heard of this happening. I know it is not a highly ototoxic drug, as it is supposed to stay in the gut (I was taking it for SIBO).

I have an appt with an ENT in a few days. Is this too late to be seen? I don't know how to get in any earlier...

Thank you in advance.

Did your tinnitus subside after stopping Xifaxan?