15th March 2024

Rifampicin

Rifampicin inhibits RNA polymerase and is used to treat mycobacterium, staphylococcus and legionella. It is recommended to monitor liver function tests due to the risk of hepatitis. Patients should be warned of the possibility of having orange and pink discolouration of secretions. Rifampicin is known to be an inducer of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, decreasing the effectiveness of certain agents, including contraceptives, warfarin, phenytoin and sulfonylureas. Other adverse effects include an increased risk of C. difficile and rarely drug-induced haemolytic anaemia or disseminated intravascular coagulation.