Rifapentine
Rifapentine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Rifapentine is a brand name. Its generic name is Rifapentine.
Introduction
Rifapentine (INN, BAN; also known as rifapin) is a bactericidal antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. It is a long-acting rifamycin, closely related to rifampicin. Rifapentine carries the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval and is used in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs for the treatment of latent and active pulmonary (lung) TB.
Uses for
Rifapentine is used to treat latent tuberculosis infection, or TB infection that may not cause any symptoms. This helps prevent people with latent tuberculosis infection from getting active TB. It is used in combination with other drugs such as isoniazid. Rifapentine is also effective against certain forms of active tuberculosis.
Mechanism of Action
Rifapentine belongs to a group of drugs called rifamycins, which work by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis. Specifically, rifapentine binds to bacterial RNA polymerase and blocks the initiation of transcription. This prevents bacteria from being able to reproduce and stops their spread. This mechanism of action is similar to other antibiotics such as rifampicin.
How long does it take to work?
Rifapentine is usually effective in rapidly reducing the bacterial load within 48-72 hours after initiation of treatment. However, complete eradication of TB can take several weeks or months to occur.
Absorption
Rifapentine is rapidly and extensively absorbed after oral administration. It is estimated that more than 80% of a dose is absorbed systemically.
Route of Elimination
Rifapentine is eliminated from the body primarily by the kidneys. It is excreted as metabolites in the urine. Its elimination half-life ranges from 19 to 22 hours.
Dosage
The recommended dose of rifapentine varies depending on a patient’s age, weight, and other factors. The dosage should be determined by a healthcare provider and is typically taken once a day for a period of 3 to 6 months. The typical adult dose is 600mg once daily.
Administration
Rifapentine tablets should be taken orally with food. Care should be taken to ensure that the tablets are swallowed whole, and not chewed or opened. It is important to take rifapentine at the same time every day.
Side Effects
Common side effects of rifapentine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fever. More serious side effects can include liver toxicity, infusion reactions, and anaphylaxis.
Precautions
Before using rifapentine, inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions, particularly any kidney or liver problems.
Interactions
Rifapentine may interact with some medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners), anticonvulsants, and certain antibiotics. Let your healthcare provider know about all the medications you are taking before using rifapentine.
Disease Interactions
Patients with a history of jaundice, hepatic disorders, and severe renal impairment should use rifapentine with caution, as it may worsen their condition.
Drug Interactions
Rifapentine can interact with certain drugs, including anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, certain antibiotics, and antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before using rifapentine.
Food Interactions
Rifapentine should be taken with food. High fat meals should be avoided as they may decrease the amount of rifapentine that is absorbed by the body.
Pregnancy Use
Rifapentine should not be used during pregnancy except under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It is not known if rifapentine will harm an unborn baby.
Lactation Use
It is not known if rifapentine passes into breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should talk to their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using this drug.
Acute Overdose
If an overdose of rifapentine is suspected, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and blurred vision.
Contraindication
Rifapentine should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to rifamycins, or in patients with a history of jaundice, severe renal impairment, or hepatic disorders.
Use Directions
Rifapentine tablets should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. Do not take more or less than recommended. Be sure to take the medicine at the same time every day with food.
Storage Condition
Rifapentine tablets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of rifapentine in healthy individuals is estimated to be 31.9 L/kg.
Half Life
The estimated half-life of rifapentine ranges from 18.4 to 22 hours
Clearance
The estimated clearance of rifapentine is 18.6 L/h/kg.
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