Rifampicin, also known as rifampin, is an ansamycinantibiotic used to treat several types of bacterial infections, including tuberculosis (TB), Mycobacterium avium complex, leprosy, and Legionnaires' disease.[3] It is almost always used together with other antibiotics with two notable exceptions: when given as a "preferred treatment that is strongly recommended"[4] for latent TB infection; and when used as post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Haemophilus influenzae type b and meningococcal disease in people who have been exposed to those bacteria.[3] Before treating a person for a long period of time, measurements of liver enzymes and blood counts are recommended.[3] Rifampicin may be given either by mouth or intravenously.[3]
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.[3] It often turns urine, sweat, and tears a red or orange color.[3] Liver problems or allergic reactions may occur.[3] It is part of the recommended treatment of active tuberculosis during pregnancy, though its safety in pregnancy is not known.[3] Rifampicin is of the rifamycin group of antibiotics.[3] It works by decreasing the production of RNA by bacteria.[3]
^"Rifampicin (CAS 13292-46-1)". Santa Cruz Biotechnology Product Block. Santa Cruz Biotechnology. Archived from the original on 27 November 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
^ abcdefghijk"Rifampin". The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Archived from the original on 2015-09-07. Retrieved Aug 1, 2015.
^World Health Organization (2019). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/325771. WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.06. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.