Rifampicin Drug Study

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Rifampicin Drug StudyGeneric Name: rifampicin/rifampin

Brand Name: Rifadin, Rimactane

General Action: Antibiotic, Antituberculotic (first line)

Stock Dose: Capsules-150,300mg; powder-600mg

Specific Action:

Inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity in susceptible bacterial cells.

Indications of Rifampicin

  • Treatment of Pulmonary TB in conjunction with at least one other effective antituberculotic.
  • Neisseria meningitidis carriers, for asymptomatic carriers to eliminate meningococci from nasopharynx; not for treatment of meningitis.
  • Unlabeled uses: Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis, usually in combination therapy; gram-negative bacteremia in infancy; Legionella pneumophilia, not responsive to erythromycin; leprosy (in combination with dapsone); prophylaxis of meningitis caused by Haemophilis influenzae.

Contraindications of Rifampicin

  • Contraindicated with allergy to any rifamycin, acute hepatic disease, lactation.
  • Use cautiously with pregnancy (teratogenic effects have been reported in preclinical studies; safest antituberculous regimen for use in pregnancy is condidered to be rifampin, isoniazid, and ethambutol).

Adverse Effects of Rifampicin

  • CNS: headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, inability to concentrate, mental confusion, generalized numbness, muscle weakness, visual disturbances.
  • Dermatologic: Rash, pruritus, urticaria, flushing, reddish discoloration of body fluids—tears, saliva, urine, sweat, sputum.
  • GI: heartburn, distress, anorexia, vomiting gas, cramps, diaarhea, hepatitis, pancreatitis.
  • GU: hemoglobinuria, hematuria, renal insufficiency, acute renal failure, menstrual disturbances.
  • Hematologic: eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, transient leucopenia, hemolytic anemia, decreased Hgb, hemolysis.
  • Other: pain in extremities, osteomalacia, myopathy, fever, flulike symptoms.

Nursing Responsibilities of Rifampicin

  • Administer on an empty stomach, 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
  • Administer in a single daily dose.
  • Consult pharmacist for rifamoin suspension for patients unable to swallow capsules.
  • Prepare patient for the reddish-orange coloring of body fluids (urine, sweat, sputum, tears, feces, saliva); soft contact lenses may be permanently stained; advise patients not to wear them during therapy.
  • Warning: arrange for follow-up visits for liver and renal function tests, CBC, and ophthalmic  examinations.

Health Teachings During Rifampicin Therapy

  • Teach client to take drug in a single daily dose. Take on an empty stomach, 1 hr before or 2 hrs after meals.
  • Inform client to take this drug regularly; avoid missing any doses; do not discontinue this drug without consulting the health care provider.
  • Tell client to have periodic medical checkups, including eye examinations and blood test, to evaluate the drug effects.
  • Inform client that he may experience the drug’s side effects (especially the red colored secretion)
  • Instruct client to see his physician if he experience fever, chills, muscle and bone pain, excessive tiredness or weakness, loss of appetite, N/V, yellowing of eyes/skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash or itching.
  • Instruct client to remove contact lenses as they may discolor

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