Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rifaximin against acute bacterial diarrhea.Methods:The effect of rifaximin for the treatment of acute bacterial diarrhea was investigated in a randomized

single-blind clinical trial with control of ciprofloxacin.Patients were administered with rifaximin 0.4g tid on the first day

followed by 0.4g bid;as for ciprofloxacin 0.25g tid on the first day

followed by 0.25g bid

until the end of 3～7days treatment

respectively.Stool

blood(hepatic and renal functions)

urine samples and ECG of pre-and post-treatment were assayed for safety evaluation of rifaximin in diarrhea patients.Results:29 patients in rifaximin group and 25 in ciprofloxacin group showed similar efficacy rates and recovery rates

100% and 91.3% respectively.There was no statistic difference between the two groups related to the effectiveness.The bacterium positive rate was 64.8%(35/54)before treatment.Bacterial clearance rates were 100% and 87.5%.No statistic difference and obvious side effect in the two groups were observed.Conclusion:rifaximin is safe and effective in the treatment of acute bacterial diarrhea.