rifampicin

Rifampicin (also known as rifampin) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the class of antimycobacterials and ansamycin antibiotics. It is primarily used in combination with other drugs to treat tuberculosis (TB), including infections affecting the lungs and other parts of the body. Additionally, it is used to eliminate Neisseria meningitidis from the nose or throat of asymptomatic carriers to prevent transmission but not for active meningitis treatment[1][2][3][4][5]. The mechanism of action involves binding to the beta subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RpoB), thereby inhibiting RNA synthesis and blocking bacterial protein production[2][5][6]. This results in bactericidal activity against susceptible organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Resistance arises mainly through mutations in rpoB that reduce drug binding affinity[5]. Rifampicin was first discovered in 1965 and introduced clinically in 1968[2].

Brand names

RifadinRimactaneIsonarifRifamateRifaterRofact

Other names

rifampicinrifampin