Rifaximin Vs. Norfloxacin for Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Prophylaxis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) heralds increased mortality in cirrhosis, mandating strategies for prophylaxis. Norfloxacin has been the recommended choice for SBP prevention. However, its use has raised concerns about antibiotic resistance. Rifaximin has been suggested as an alternative. We investigated the efficacy of rifaximin against norfloxacin in primary and secondary prophylaxis of SBP. METHODS: In this open-labeled randomized trial, patients with either advanced cirrhosis having ascitic fluid protein levels (