Rifabutin

Uses

Rifabutin is used in the treatment of tuberculosis in patients with HIV infection.

How it Works

How Rifabutin works Rifabutin works by inhibiting the enzyme DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. This inhibition suppresses RNA synthesis, which is essential for bacterial survival, ultimately leading to cell death. This mechanism helps treat Mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Rifabutin include nausea, rash, anemia (a low number of red blood cells), and muscle pain.

Expert Advice

Taking rifabutin may change the color of your urine to red or orange.
You may also experience discoloration of the skin and other body fluids, as well as soft contact lenses.
You may be regularly monitored with blood tests and chest X-rays to ensure you do not have active tuberculosis or any other mycobacterial disease.
Regular eye examinations may be conducted while using rifabutin.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:

sudden wheeziness
difficulty in breathing
chest pain
swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips
rash or itching

Use non-hormonal birth control methods (such as condoms or diaphragms with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy, as rifabutin can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.