Rifampin
| Overview |
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- Rifampin is a component of multi-therapy for both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae. Rifampin can be used to treat certain other bacterial infections but these usages are not discussed here.
| Mechanism of Action |
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- Rifampin specifically inhibits bacterial RNA transcription.
| Adverse Effects |
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- Adverse Effects are minor but can result in hepatotoxicity, although this is less of a concern than for Isoniazid. Rifampin administration will color excreted fluids, such as urine and sweat, red although this is completely harmless.
| Drug Interaction |
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- Rifampin administration is a Cytochrome P450 Inducer and can increase elimination of certain other drugs. Thus the half-lives of several drugs are decreased, such as warfarin, oral contraceptives, clofibrate, prednisone.