26/07/2025
Rifampicin 💊(or Rifampin) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, most commonly used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), but it has several other important indications. Here's a clear summary:
✅ Indications of Rifampicin:
⭕️1. Tuberculosis (TB)
First-line drug in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB.
Used in combination with isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol (HRZE regimen).
Both drug-susceptible TB and some regimens for drug-resistant TB.
⭕️2. Latent TB Infection (LTBI)
Rifampicin (alone or with isoniazid) used for short-course therapy in latent TB (e.g., 3–4 months regimen).
⭕️3. Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease)
Part of multi-drug therapy (MDT) with dapsone and clofazimine.
⭕️4. Meningococcal Meningitis Prophylaxis
Given to close contacts of patients with Neisseria meningitidis infection to prevent disease.
⭕️5. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) Prophylaxis
Used in household contacts (especially children under 4 years old) if there’s a case of invasive Hib disease.
⭕️6. Staphylococcus aureus Infections (especially MRSA)
As part of combination therapy for deep-seated infections like:
⭕️Endocarditis
⭕️Osteomyelitis
⭕️Prosthetic joint or valve infections
Rifampicin has excellent tissue pe*******on and biofilm activity.
⭕️7. Brucellosis
Occasionally used in combination with doxycycline for 6 weeks.
⭕️8. Legionnaires’ Disease
May be used in combination with macrolides or fluoroquinolones in severe cases.
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⚠️ Notes:
Never used alone due to rapid development of resistance.
Strong inducer of liver enzymes (CYP450) — affects metabolism of many drugs (e.g., warfarin, oral contraceptives, antiretrovirals).
Side effects: hepatotoxicity, orange discoloration of secretions, flu-like symptoms, rash.
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