Rifabutin

It is a semisynthetic ansamycin antibiotic derived from rifamycin S. used for treatment of Tuberculosis. It is effective against Gram-Positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, but also against the highly resistant Mycobacteria, e.g. Mycobacterium tubreculosis, M.leprae and M.avium intracellulare.

Indications

It is used for treatment of Tuberculosis associated with MAC (Mycobacterium Avium Complex) disease in patients suffering from HIV

Dosage

300mg once daily.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity of rifabutin, rifapentine, or rifampicin.

Special Precautions

Neutipenia or thrombocytopenia may develop rarely. Rifabutin may decrease or completely eliminate the effect of live bacterial vaccines (e.g. typhoid vaccine), Pregnancy Category B Medication - To be given to pregnant women only after justifying potential risk to the fetus.

Side Effects

Rahes, G.I.intolerance, Neutropenia.

Drug Interactions

Rifabutin interacts with other agents like Anti-Retrovirals (Delavirdine, Indinavir, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir), Oral Contraceptives, Antifungals, Ciprofloxacin, Macrolide Antibiotics, Rifabutin can hasten the removal of drugs like Cyclosporine, Phenytoin, Tacrolimus, Calcium Channel Blockers, Sulfonyl Urea from body.