rifampin
Meaning of rifampin: Rifampin is an antibiotic most often used as a core component of combination treatment for tuberculosis and certain other mycobacterial infections.
Definition of rifampin
Rifampin, also called rifampicin, is an antibiotic used mainly as part of combination treatment for tuberculosis, a serious infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It works by blocking an enzyme bacteria need to copy their genetic material, which stops the bacteria from multiplying.
Because bacteria can develop resistance to rifampin relatively easily if it is used alone, it is nearly always combined with other antibiotics as part of a multidrug regimen for tuberculosis and certain other mycobacterial infections. Rifampin is also used in specific situations to prevent infection in people who have been closely exposed to certain bacteria, such as meningococcal disease.
A distinctive feature of rifampin is that it can turn body fluids, including urine, sweat, and tears, an orange red color, a harmless effect that is nonetheless important to recognize since it can otherwise be mistaken for a sign of bleeding or another problem.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
Rifampin was included as part of the patient's multidrug regimen for active tuberculosis.
Good to know
Rifampin's tendency to turn urine, sweat, and tears an orange red color is a harmless and expected effect of the drug, distinct from a sign of bleeding or liver problems.