Rifampin (Rifadin)

KEY POINTS

• Rifampin (Rifadin, rifampicin) inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to the beta subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which blocks RNA transcription
• Rarely indicated to be used alone
• Is special because it penetrates biofilms well
  • Commonly added to other antibiotics when treating patients with “hardware” infections, because it penetrates the biofilms that form on plates, screws, prosthetic heart valves, etc.
• Is the “R” in “RIPPE”, an acronym for a common Mycobacterium tuberculosis regimen
  • Rifampin / Isoniazid / Pyrazinamide / Pyridoxine / Ethambutol
• Interacts with many other drugs and is an INDUCER of CYP-450
• Comes as injectable or oral
• Can color secretions red and stain clothes/contacts

RESOURCES

• Rifampin Package Insert
• Adult & Pediatric Opportunistic Infection Guidelines
• AHA Infective Endocarditis Guideline
• European Infective Endocarditis Guideline
• CDC Tuberculosis Treatment Guideline
• Rifampin Information From AIDSinfo.org
• IDSA Practice Guidelines
• Surgical Prophylaxis Guidelines