rifampin

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rifampin

drug

Also known as: rifampicin

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Rifampin is a semisynthetic antibiotic used primarily to treat tuberculosis and to prevent meningococcal disease in asymptomatic carriers. It is effective because it penetrates tissues well, including the lungs.12

Rifampin is derived from rifamycin, which is produced by Streptomyces mediterranei. While generally well-tolerated, common side effects are gastrointestinal. A notable effect is that it can turn bodily fluids such as urine, feces, saliva, sweat, and tears a red-orange color.21

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antibiotic
Mechanisms of action
One antibiotic, rifampin, interferes with ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in bacteria by binding to a subunit on the bacterial enzyme responsible for duplication of RNA. Since the affinity of rifampin is much stronger for the bacterial enzyme than for the human enzyme, the human cells are unaffected…
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One antibiotic, rifampin, interferes with ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis in bacteria by binding to a subunit on the bacterial enzyme responsible for duplication of RNA. Since the affinity of rifampin is much stronger for the bacterial enzyme than for the human enzyme, the human cells are unaffected…
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leprosy
Therapy
…bodies, two drugs, dapsone and rifampicin, are given for a total of six months. For patients with more widespread disease and relatively large numbers of bacilli, three drugs—dapsone, clofazimine, and rifampicin—are given for 24 months. Most patients are able to tolerate the drugs well, but a few experience undesirable side…
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…bodies, two drugs, dapsone and rifampicin, are given for a total of six months. For patients with more widespread disease and relatively large numbers of bacilli, three drugs—dapsone, clofazimine, and rifampicin—are given for 24 months. Most patients are able to tolerate the drugs well, but a few experience undesirable side…
Read More

meningitis
Meningitis vaccines
meningitis, the antibiotic derivative rifampin should be administered to any who have come in contact with the disease.
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meningitis, the antibiotic derivative rifampin should be administered to any who have come in contact with the disease.
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tuberculosis
Treatment
…antituberculosis drugs are isoniazid and rifampicin (rifampin). These drugs are often used in various combinations with other agents, such as ethambutol, pyrazinamide, or rifapentine, in order to avoid the development of drug-resistant bacilli.
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…antituberculosis drugs are isoniazid and rifampicin (rifampin). These drugs are often used in various combinations with other agents, such as ethambutol, pyrazinamide, or rifapentine, in order to avoid the development of drug-resistant bacilli.
Read More