Rifampin
Rifampin is a semisynthetic, broad-spectrum rifamycin antibiotic. It exerts bactericidal activity against intracellular and extracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis by inhibiting bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, thereby preventing RNA synthesis.
Dosage by Body Weight
Rifampin is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, with a full glass of water. Dosage is highly individualized based on age, body weight, and the specific condition being treated. For pediatric patients, the typical daily dose for tuberculosis is 10 to 20 mg/kg of body weight, not to exceed 600 mg per day.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg per day (approx. 30 mg to 75 mg)
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Use oral suspension formulation for precise measurement. Consult a pediatric specialist or infectious disease expert.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 50 mg to 105 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Administer on an empty stomach. Shake oral suspension well before measuring the dose.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 80 mg to 150 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- May cause red-orange discoloration of urine, sweat, saliva, and tears, which is harmless.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 110 mg to 225 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- For children who cannot swallow capsules, the capsule contents may be mixed with applesauce or jelly, or an oral suspension can be compounded.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 160 mg to 300 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Regular monitoring of liver enzymes is recommended during prolonged therapy.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg per day (approx. 30 mg to 75 mg) | Once daily | Use oral suspension formulation for precise measurement. Consult a pediatric specialist or infectious disease expert. |
| 5-7 kg | 50 mg to 105 mg | Once daily | Administer on an empty stomach. Shake oral suspension well before measuring the dose. |
| 8-10 kg | 80 mg to 150 mg | Once daily | May cause red-orange discoloration of urine, sweat, saliva, and tears, which is harmless. |
| 11-15 kg | 110 mg to 225 mg | Once daily | For children who cannot swallow capsules, the capsule contents may be mixed with applesauce or jelly, or an oral suspension can be compounded. |
| 16-20 kg | 160 mg to 300 mg | Once daily | Regular monitoring of liver enzymes is recommended during prolonged therapy. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used in combination with other medications to treat active tuberculosis (TB) infections, and as a preventive treatment to eliminate Neisseria meningitidis from the nasopharynx of asymptomatic carriers.
Generic Name
RifampinBranded Drug Names
Rifampin is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.