Rifampin Pharmacology

Rifampin is classified as an antibiotic and an antituberculosis agent. It primarily works by inhibiting bacterial RNA polymerase. While not extremely common, rifampin is well known to cause hepatic dysfunction. You should remind patients who are taking rifampin that it can alter the color of tears, sweat, saliva and urine. It can change these fluids to a reddish/brown color. Rifampin is very well known for causing drug interactions. It is an enzyme inducer that can reduce the concentrations of numerous medications such as warfarin, apixaban, cyclosporin, levothyroxine, and oral contraceptives to name a few. Rifampin can be used to help prevent meningococcal infection. Learn more on rifampin by listening to this podcast! Be sure to check out our free Top 200 study guide – a 31 page PDF that is yours for FREE!