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Rifadin

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Generic Name: Rifampicin
Product Name: Rifadin

Indication

Rifadin is used in the treatment of tuberculosis, where it is one of the first-line agents. It must be used in combination with other medications, and may be used in re-treatment if necessary.
Rifadin can also be used to treat lepromatous and dimorphous leprosy to quickly convert patients to the non-infectious state. It may also be used in the further treatment of all types of leprosy when other drugs have failed or are contraindicated due to allergy.
Rifadin is used for the prevention of meningococcal disease in people who have been exposed to those infected. It is NOT a recognised treatment for meningococcal disease.
It can also be used in the prevention of Haemophilus influenzae infection in a similar setting.

Action

Rifampicin is an antibiotic with activity against a number of extracellular and intracellular organisms. Its most important activity is that against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow and intermittently growing intracellular organism. Rifampicin kills the bacteria by interacting with enzymes important in their production of DNA.

Dose advice

Oral
Oral Rifampicin should be administered once daily, 30 minutes before or two hours after food. Therapy should be continued until bacterial conversion and maximal improvement have occurred. Continuous therapy is better tolerated than intermittent therapy.
Pulmonary TB
Rifampicin should always be used in conjunction with another antituberculosis agent.
Adults
– 600mg once daily
Children
– 10-20mg/kg daily
– do not exceed daily dose of 600mg
Leprosy
Rifampicin should always be used in conjunction with another antileprosy drug.
– 450-600mg once daily
Prevention of meningococcal disease
Adults
– 600mg/day for four days
Children over 5 years
– 10mg/kg/day for four days
– do not exceed daily dose of 600mg
Prevention of H. influenzae infection
– should be given to all members of any household in which H. influenzae infection has occurred and that has a child younger than four years of age
– dose is 20mg/kg/day for four days
– maximum daily dose is 600mg
– dose for neonates is 10mg/kg/day
Intravenous infusion
This is reserved for patients who cannot take oral medication due to postoperative or comatose state, or those in whom gastrointestinal absorption is compromised. Solution is for IV administration only.
Solution for infusion should be prepared aseptically. Add the solvent to the powder and shake vigorously until all dissolved. Immediately dilute in 500ml glucose 5% or other suitable infusion fluid. Dilution is stable for 4 hours at room temperature. Infusion should be given over 1-3 hours.
Adults
– usual dose is 600mg infused daily
Children
– 10-20mg/kg infused daily
– maximum daily dose should not exceed 600mg

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

The most common adverse effects include:
– heartburn
– stomach upset
– loss of appetite
– nausea
– vomiting
– gas
– cramps
– diarrhoea
– cold or flu-like symptoms
The body fluids (urine, sweat, tears etc) may be stained orange/red. This is not dangerous and will subside when treatment is finished. Soft contact lenses may be permanently stained and should be avoided during treatment.

Uncommon side effects

Neurological disturbances such as:
– headache
– drowsiness
– fatigue
– dizziness
– inability to concentrate
– confusion
– visual disturbances
have been reported less often.
Hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported, and range from a mild rash and itching to destruction of blood cells and resulting coagulation disorders. These more severe reactions are only seen if Rifampicin is incorrectly re-prescribed after a previous reaction.


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For further information talk to your doctor.


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Dates

Posted On: 22 July, 2003
Modified On: 1 January, 1970


Created by: myVMC