A semisynthetic antibiotic produced from Streptomyces mediterranei. It has a broad antibacterial spectrum, including activity against several forms of Mycobacterium. In susceptible organisms it inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity by forming a stable complex with the enzyme. It thus suppresses the initiation of RNA synthesis. Rifampin is bactericidal, and acts on both intracellular and extracellular organisms. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p1160)
belongs to the class of organic compounds known as naphthofurans. Naphthofurans are compounds containing a furan ring fused to a naphthalene moiety. Furan is a 5 membered- ring aromatic ring with four carbon and one oxygen atoms. Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon made up of two fused benzene rings.
Rifampin acts via the inhibition of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, leading to a suppression of RNA synthesis and cell death.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, rapidly deacetylated.
Route of Elimination: Less than 30% of the dose is excreted in the urine as rifampin or metabolites.
Half Life: 3.35 (+/- 0.66) hours
3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. (3)
Uses/Sources
For the treatment of Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis-related mycobacterial infections.
Minimum Risk Level
Not Available
Health Effects
Antibiotic resistance
Symptoms
Chronic exposure may cause nausea and vomiting and unconsciousness
Treatment
Intensive support measures should be instituted and individual symptoms treated as they arise. Since nausea and vomiting are likely to be present, gastric lavage is probably preferable to induction of emesis. Following evacuation of the gastric contents, the instillation of activated charcoal slurry into the stomach may help absorb any remaining drug from the gastrointestinal tract. Antiemetic medication may be required to control severe nausea and vomiting. Active diuresis (with measured intake and output) will help promote excretion of the drug. Hemodialysis may be of value in some patients. (5)
