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RIFAMPIN
Rifampin inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity in susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis organisms.
Rifampin is a small molecule antibiotic used primarily for treating tuberculosis and eliminating meningococcal carriage. It inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase, preventing RNA synthesis. Approved by the FDA, it is part of multi-drug regimens for TB, offering a robust mechanism against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Rifampin's unique mechanism and broad spectrum of activity differentiate it from other antibiotics. Despite its efficacy, it has significant drug interactions and potential hepatotoxicity, limiting its use in certain patient populations. Commercially, rifampin is a generic drug with widespread use in global TB control programs.
At a glance
| Generic name | RIFAMPIN |
|---|---|
| Also known as | rifampicin |
| Drug class | Rifamycin Antibacterial [EPC] |
| Target | DNA-dependent RNA polymerase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1971 |
Mechanism of action
Rifampin works by binding to the β-subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase, preventing the enzyme from synthesizing RNA. This inhibition stops the bacteria from producing essential proteins, leading to cell death. Rifampin is highly selective for bacterial RNA polymerase and does not affect the mammalian enzyme, making it safe for human use.
Approved indications
- Tuberculosis — 1L
- Meningococcal carrier state — any
Pipeline indications
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis — Phase 2
- Rifampicin-resistant Tuberculosis — Phase 2
Common side effects
- Heartburn
- Epigastric distress
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Flatulence
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Tooth discoloration
Drug interactions
- Ritonavir-boosted saquinavir
- Atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, saquinavir, tipranavir
- Praziquantel
- Lurasidone
- Halothane
- Isoniazid
Key clinical trials
- Safety and Tolerability of Metformin in People With Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (PHASE2)
- Shortened Regimen for Drug-susceptible TB in Children (PHASE3)
- Study of a Single Dose of Pretomanid Added to an Optimized Background Regimen in Children With Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis (PHASE1)
- An Adaptive Multi-arm Trial to Improve Clinical Outcomes Among Children Recovering From Complicated SAM (PHASE3)
- Trial of Novel Regimens for the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PHASE2)
- AIPH-TB: AI-Optimised Pyrazinamide-Hydroxychloroquine vs Standard RIPE for Drug-Sensitive Pulmonary Tuberculosis - A Phase II RCT (PHASE2)
- A Study Evaluating the Effects of Itraconazole or Rifampin on the Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Rocbrutinib Tablet (PHASE1)
- A Phase 1/2 Study to Evaluate the Safety, PK and Efficacy of TNP-2092 Administered Via IA Injection in PJI Participants (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
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 |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- RIFAMPIN CI brief — competitive landscape report
- RIFAMPIN updates RSS · CI watch RSS