Rifabutin

Rifabutin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Rifabutin is a brand name. Its generic name is Rifabutin.

Introduction

Rifabutin is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It is most commonly prescribed to treat atypical pneumonia (Legionnaires disease) and leprosy. In addition, Rifabutin has been used in combination with other medications to treat HIV infection.

Uses For

Rifabutin is used to treat many bacterial infections, including:
  • Legionnaires' disease
  • Atypical pneumonia
  • Leprosy
  • Meningitis
  • Bacterial endocarditis
  • Mycobacterial infections
  • Mycobacterial ulcers

Mechanism of Action

Rifabutin works by inhibiting the growth of sensitive bacteria. Rifabutin binds to bacterial DNA polymerase (an enzyme involved in DNA synthesis) and prevents it from working, thereby killing the bacteria.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Rifabutin typically starts working within the first 3-5 days after starting the medication. This may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection.

Absorption

Rifabutin is rapidly and well absorbed after oral administration. Peak concentrations in the blood are achieved 1 to 4 hours after dosing.

Route of elimination

Rifabutin is eliminated in urine and feces, mainly as metabolites without systemic effect.

Dosage

Dosage recommendations vary depending on the infection being treated, the patient’s age and weight, other medications taken, and the severity of the infection. The typical dose for adults is 300 mg (2-3 capsules) taken twice daily with or without food. Children over 6 months of age may take 5-10 mg/kg of body weight per day divided into two doses.

Administration

Rifabutin is taken orally. It should be taken on an empty stomach two to three hours before or after meals.

Side Effect

Common side effects of Rifabutin include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and diarrhea. More serious side effects may occur in rare cases including liver damage and fetal toxicity.

Toxicity

Rifabutin can be toxic in overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, liver damage and fetal toxicity have been reported.

Precaution

Rifabutin should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function and in elderly patients as the risk of toxicity is increased. Patients should also be monitored for liver function abnormalities as liver damage can occur. Patients taking Rifabutin should not take antacids or iron supplements as these can decrease the absorption of the drug.

Interaction

Rifabutin may interact with other drugs including antibiotics, antiepileptics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and warfarin. It is important to discuss all medications that you are taking with your healthcare provider before starting rifabutin.

Disease Interaction

Rifabutin should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function and in elderly patients as the risk of toxicity is increased. Patients should also be monitored for liver function abnormalities as liver damage can occur.

Drug Interaction

Rifabutin may interact with other drugs including antibiotics, antiepileptics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and warfarin. It is important to discuss all medications that you are taking with your healthcare provider before starting rifabutin.

Food Interactions

Rifabutin should be taken on an empty stomach two to three hours before or after meals. Taking antacids or iron supplements can decrease the absorption of the drug.

Pregnancy Use

Rifabutin should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If used, fetal toxicity can occur.

Lactation Use

Rifabutin should not be used during lactation unless absolutely necessary. If used, it is important to monitor for any adverse effects in the infant.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, liver damage and fetal toxicity have been reported.

Contraindication

Rifabutin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to rifamycins.

Use Direction

Rifabutin is typically taken twice daily (300 mg/dose) with or without food. The exact dosage will vary depending on the patient and the severity of the infection.

Storage Condition

Rifabutin should be stored at room temperature (15-30 Celsius). It should be kept away from heat and direct sunlight.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of Rifabutin is approximately 2.72 litres/kg.

Half Life

The half-life of Rifabutin is approximately 15 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of Rifabutin is approximately 5.56 mL/min/kg.

Here you find in details version of Rifabutin

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Rifabutin

https://www.medicinesfaq.com/brand/rifabutin, , , https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=CHEBI:45367, http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB14753, http://www.genome.jp/dbget-bin/www_bget?drug:D00424, http://www.genome.jp/dbget-bin/www_bget?cpd:C07235, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=6323490, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?sid=46506468, https://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.10482168.html, http://www.bindingdb.org/bind/chemsearch/marvin/MolStructure.jsp?monomerid=50237607, https://mor.nlm.nih.gov/RxNav/search?searchBy=RXCUI&searchTerm=55672, https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=45367, https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chembldb/index.php/compound/inspect/CHEMBL444633, https://zinc.docking.org/substances/ZINC000169621215, http://bidd.nus.edu.sg/group/cjttd/ZFTTDDRUG.asp?ID=DAP000656, http://www.pharmgkb.org/drug/PA451249, https://www.ebi.ac.uk/pdbe-srv/pdbechem/chemicalCompound/show/RBT, http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/rifabutin.htm, https://www.drugs.com/cdi/rifabutin.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rifabutin,