RIFAMPICIN

Indications & Dose:

Tuberculosis.

Other: Neisseria meningitides carriers, legionellas, Leprosy and prophylaxis of meningitis due to H.influenzae. 

DOSE

Adults:

Tuberculosis: 450-600mg single dose before breakfast,

Menengitis: 600mg twice daily for 2 days,

H.Influenzae: 20mg/k daily for 4 days max; 600mg daily,

Brucillosis: 600-1200 mg daily in 24divided doses

Children:

Tuberculosis: 10-20mg/kg/day single dose before breakfast,

Menengitis: under 3 months - 1 year 5mg/kg twice daily for 2 days, 1-2 year; 10 mg/kg twice daily for 2 days,

H.Influenzae: 10mg/k daily for 4 days max; 600mg daily  

Contraindications:

Jaundice & porphyria.

Side Effects:

Gastro-intestinal symptoms including anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (pseudomembranous colitis reported); those occuring mainly on intermittent therapy; include influenzal syndrome (with chills, fever, dizziness,  bone pain);

Respiratory symptoms (including shortness of breath); collapse and shock, haemolytic anaemia, acute renal failure, and thrombocytopenic purpura, alterations of  liver function jaundice, flushing; urticaria and rashes; other side effects reported include oedema, muscular weakness and myopathy, leucopenia, eosinophilia, menstrual disturbances, urine, saliva, and other body secretions coloured orange-red, thrombophelibitis reported if infusion used for prolonged period. 

Cautions:

Precautions:

Liver impairment, imparts orange red colour to urine, saliva, tears, sweat and sputum. Malnourished. Young children. Contact lenses may be irreversibly stained. Pregnancy, breast-feeding & old Age: Use with caution

Interaction:

Drugs

Rifampicin by inducing the hepatic microsomal enzymes may reduce the efficacy of the following drugs:

Acetaminophen, oral anticoagulants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chloramphenicol, clofibrate. Oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, digitoxin, disopyramide, beta blockers oestrogens, hydantoins, mexiletine, quinidine, sulfones, sulfonylurea, theophylline, verapamil.

Halothane: Hepatotoxicity and hepatic encephalopathy.

Isoniazid: Higher incidence of hepatotoxicity than with either agent alone.

Ketoconazole: Treatment failure of either ketoconazole or rifampicin.

Food: Interferes with absorption of rifampicin, therefore it should be taken on empty stomach.

Lab Test: Inhibits standard assays for serum folate and vitamin B12. Transient abnormalities in liver function tests, reduced excretion of contrast media used for visualization of gall bladder. 

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: