Could a common gut drug clear brain fog in liver patients?

NCT ID NCT05754996

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Cairo University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether nifuroxazide, a drug used for gut infections, can help treat hepatic encephalopathy—a condition where liver disease causes confusion and brain fog. Researchers gave the drug to 80 hospitalized patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The goal was to see if it could reverse the brain symptoms faster than standard care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: nifuroxazide
What this could lead to: If it works, nifuroxazide could offer a new treatment option for hepatic encephalopathy, potentially improving mental status and reducing hospital stays.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Side effects like abdominal pain, nausea, and headache are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cirrhosis of liver hepatic encephalopathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI)

Cairo, Egypt

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.