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Antimicrobials
Rifampin

Rifampin

C difficile risk
Low
Oral Bioavailability
Good (70 to 90%)

Spectrum Of Activity

Antibiogram Data

Dosing

Pediatric

Staphylococcal infections (ONLY in combination with other antibiotics)Meningitis Prophylaxis N.Meningitidis Nova Scotia Communicable Diseases ManualAtypical mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitisTuberculosis20 mg/kg/24h divided PO once to twice daily Maximum: 600 mg/24h 10 mg/kg/dose PO BID for 2 days
Maximum: 600 mg/dose10-20 mg/kg/24h divided PO once to twice daily Maximum: 600 mg/24h

Neonatal

Oral

  • 5-10 mg/kg/dose PO BID OR 10-20 mg/kg/dose PO once daily

Intravenous

General Information

Adverse Effects
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, gas,and diarrhea. Best absorbed on an empty stomach but GI AEs may be relieved by taking with a small meal.
  • Red-orange discolouration of urine, stools, saliva, lung secretions, sweat, tears, and skin. Caution with contact lenses.
  • Increase liver enzymes. (usually asymptomatic), rarely hepatitis (yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, fever, nausea and / or vomiting, pale stools, fatigue, and abdominal pain.
  • Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia (rare)

Major Interactions

Interacts with many other drugs, especially those that are eliminated by the liver. Please consult a clinical pharmacist.

Oral Liquids

Concentration: 25 mg/mL (IWK Compounded)

Tablet/Capsule Strengths

Capsule: 150 mg, 300 mg

Additional Information

  • Food decreases the extent of absorption

  • Rifampin concentrations may be decreased if taken with food.

  • Management: Administer on an empty stomach.

    • May be taken with a small amount of food if GI intolerance occurs.