26/08/2025
What is the therapeutic use of Rifampicin?
Rifampicin is a broad-spectrum bactericidal antibiotic that belongs to the rifamycin group. It acts by inhibiting DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in bacteria, thereby suppressing RNA synthesis and bacterial multiplication.
📌 Therapeutic Uses (According to Medical Books):
1. Tuberculosis (TB):
Rifampicin is one of the most important first-line anti-tubercular drugs.
It is always used in combination with other anti-TB drugs (like isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol) to prevent drug resistance.
It is effective against both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis.
2. Leprosy:
Used in multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy, along with dapsone and clofazimine.
Highly effective in killing Mycobacterium leprae.
3. Other Bacterial Infections:
Used in prophylaxis and treatment of meningococcal meningitis.
Given for prophylaxis of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis in close contacts.
Sometimes used in severe infections caused by staphylococci (in combination with other drugs).
4. Atypical Mycobacterial Infections:
Effective against some non-tubercular mycobacteria (NTM).
Note:
Rifampicin is never used alone for TB because resistance develops rapidly.
It causes orange-red coloration of urine, sweat, and tears, which is harmless but should be explained to patients.
Hepatotoxicity may occur, so liver function monitoring is important during therapy.
✅ In summary, the main therapeutic use of Rifampicin is as a key first-line drug for tuberculosis, along with important roles in leprosy, meningitis prophylaxis, and other bacterial infections.