Rifampicin or rifampin is aan antibiotic drug used to treat several diseases caused by bacterial infections.This drug works by killing the bacteria that cause infection.
Diseases caused by bacterial infections that can be treated with rifampicin include tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy. In addition, rifampicin is also used to prevent and treat bacterial infections H. influenza type B (Hib) and N. meningitidis asymptomatic (asymptomatic).
For the treatment of tuberculosis, rifampicin can be combined with other antibiotics, such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. This drug is available as a single dosage form or in combination with other types of antibiotics.
Trademark Rifampicin: Corifam, Kalrifam, Merimac, RIF, Rifabiotic, Rifanh, Rifastar, Rimactane, Rimactazid, Rifampicin, Rifamtibi, Rimcure Paed, TB RIF
What's that Rifampicin?
| group | Antibiotics |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treating tuberculosis, leprosy, preventing and overcoming bacterial infections N. meningitidis and H. influenza type B (Hib) |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Rifampicin for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Rifampicin can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets, syrup |
Warnings Before Taking Rifampicin:
- Do not take rifampicin if you have an allergy to this drug.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking rifampicin, because it can increase the risk of liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, alcoholism, HIV/AIDS, porphyria, or liver disorders, such as hepatitis and jaundice.
- Tell your doctor what medications you are currently taking, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.
- Be careful taking rifampicin if you use contact lenses, because your contact lenses may change color while taking rifampicin.
- Rifampicin can change the color of urine, stool, saliva, phlegm, and sweat to orange or reddish-brown. These effects will go away after you stop taking rifampicin.
- Rifampicin may decrease the effectiveness of vaccines that use live bacteria, such as the typhoid vaccine. Therefore, do not immunize before consulting a doctor.
- Rifampicin can affect the effectiveness of birth control pills. While using this drug, it is recommended to use another type of contraception.
- Rifampicin can affect the results of medical examinations. Therefore, tell your doctor that you are taking rifampicin before undergoing a medical examination.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, it is recommended to consult your doctor before taking rifampicin.
- Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after taking rifampicin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Rifampicin
The dose of rifampicin and the duration of treatment depend on the type of disease, age, and weight of the patient. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
The following are common doses of rifampicin for some conditions:
- Condition: Tuberculosis
Adult dose: 8-12 mg/kg body weight per day.
The maximum dose for patients weighing <50 kg is 450 mg per day, while for patients weighing 50 kg is 600 mg per day.
Dosage for children: 10–20 mg/kg body weight per day.
The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.
- Condition: Bacterial infection meningitidis
Adult dose: 600 mg, 2 times daily, for 2 days.
Dosage for children 1 month: 10 mg/kg, every 12 hours, for 2 days.
Dosage for children >1 month: 20 mg/kg, every 12 hours, for 2 days.
- Condition: leprosy
Adult dose: 600 mg, once a month, for 6–12 months.
Dosage for children 10–14 years: 400 mg, once a month, for 6–12 months.
Dosage for children <10 years of age or children weighing <40 kg: 10 mg/kgBW, once a month, for 6–12 months.
- Condition: Prevention and treatment of infection influenzae type B (Hib)
Adult dose: 600 mg per day, for 4 days.
Dosage for children aged 1 month: 10 mg/kg body weight per day, for 4 days.
Dosage for children >1 month of age: 20 mg/kg body weight per day, for 4 days. The maximum dose is 600 mg/day.
Dosage adjustments will also be made in patients with impaired liver function and the elderly.
How to Take Rifampicin Correctly
Use rifampicin as directed by your doctor or the information on the package. Rifampicin should be taken on an empty stomach, ie 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating.
Take rifampicin along with a glass of water. If it is difficult to take rifampicin capsules, open the capsule and sprinkle it on a spoon then drink it with water.
If rifampicin syrup is prescribed, shake it before taking it. Use the measuring spoon included in the package.
Try to take rifampicin at the same time each day, for effective treatment. If you forget to take rifampicin, take it as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Make sure you continue to take rifampicin and have regular check-ups with your doctor even if the symptoms have disappeared. Stopping medication without first consulting a doctor can allow bacteria to continue to grow and cause the infection to recur.
Store rifampicin at a temperature of 15–30° Celsius. Avoid exposure to sunlight or excessive heat.
Interactions of Rifampicin with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of interactions that may occur if you take rifampicin along with other drugs:
- Increased risk of liver damage when used with ritonavir, halothane, and isoniazid
- Decreased effectiveness of phenytoin and theophylline
- Decreased effectiveness of ketoconazole and enalapril
- Decreased effectiveness of rifampicin when used with antacids
Rifampicin Side Effects and Dangers
The use of rifampicin can cause side effects. Side effects that can arise can include:
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, no appetite, diarrhea, intestinal inflammation.
- Disorders of liver function, such as hepatitis, jaundice, to liver damage
- Heart problems, such as heart rhythm disturbances and cardiac arrest
- Blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia, low levels of white blood cells (leukopenia), or thrombocytopenia
- Kidney problems, such as decreased urine output
- Changes in the color of urine, sweat, or saliva to yellow, orange, or brown
Immediately see a doctor if you experience the above complaints or a drug allergic reaction occurs which is characterized by the appearance of an itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips or eyelids, and difficulty breathing.