Last reviewed · How we verify
Azithromycin and Rifampin
Azithromycin and rifampin are a combination of two antibiotics that work synergistically to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis and RNA polymerase, respectively, to treat infections.
Azithromycin and rifampin are a combination of two antibiotics that work synergistically to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis and RNA polymerase, respectively, to treat infections. Used for Mycobacterial infections (likely tuberculosis or nontuberculous mycobacteria), Respiratory tract infections with intracellular pathogens.
At a glance
| Generic name | Azithromycin and Rifampin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zithromax and Rifadin |
| Sponsor | University of South Florida |
| Drug class | Antibiotic combination |
| Target | Bacterial 50S ribosome (azithromycin); bacterial RNA polymerase (rifampin) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibits protein synthesis. Rifampin is a rifamycin that inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase, blocking transcription. Together, they provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial coverage with potential synergistic activity against certain pathogens, particularly mycobacteria and intracellular organisms.
Approved indications
- Mycobacterial infections (likely tuberculosis or nontuberculous mycobacteria)
- Respiratory tract infections with intracellular pathogens
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbance (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Hepatotoxicity
- Drug interactions
- Rash
Key clinical trials
- An Adaptive Multi-arm Trial to Improve Clinical Outcomes Among Children Recovering From Complicated SAM (PHASE3)
- Precision Medicine Approach for Early Dementia & Mild Cognitive Impairment (PHASE3)
- Comparison of Two- Versus Three-antibiotic Therapy for Pulmonary Mycobacterium Avium Complex Disease (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- CLArithromycin Versus AZIthromycin in the Treatment of Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Lung Infections (PHASE3)
- Short-term Bactericidal Effect of Contezolid in MAC-PD (PHASE4)
- Clinical Trial of Rifampin and Azithromycin for the Treatment of River Blindness (PHASE2)
- The Individualized M(X) Drug-resistant TB Treatment Strategy Study (PHASE4)
- Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of SPR720 for the Treatment of Patients With Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Pulmonary Disease (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Azithromycin and Rifampin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Azithromycin and Rifampin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of South Florida portfolio CI