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ANTIINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE › ANTIMYCOBACTERIALS › DRUGS FOR TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS › Antibiotics
rifamycin
J04AB03
Forms & Strengths
- Rifamycin SV: 250mg, 500mg capsules or tablets
- Rifamycin sodium: 250mg, 500mg vials for injection
- Rifaximin: 200mg, 550mg tablets
Adult Dosing
- Traveler's diarrhea: 200mg orally every 24 hours for 3 days
- HE infection prophylaxis: 550mg orally every 24 hours for 3 days
- Diverticulitis: 400mg orally every 8-12 hours
Pediatric Dosing
- 8-12 years: 100mg orally every 12 hours
- Children under 8 years: not recommended
- Newborns: contraindicated due to potential for displacement of bilirubin
Indications
- Traveler's diarrhea
- HE infection prophylaxis
- Diverticulitis
- Partial treatment of IBS with diarrhea
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to the beta-subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase
- Interferes with DNA-dependent RNA synthesis
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to rifamycin or other rifamycins
- Severe liver dysfunction
- Newborns (potential for displacement of bilirubin)
Adverse Reactions
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
Drug Interactions
- Cyclosporine (decreased levels)
- Warfarin (decreased anticoagulant effect)
- Oral contraceptives (decreased efficacy)
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use