What it means
The rifamycins (rifampin, rifabutin and rifapentine) are antibiotics that block bacteria from copying their genes into proteins. They are core drugs for tuberculosistoo-ber-kyoo-LOH-sisAn infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.tubercul/o small swelling-osis abnormal conditionFull entry and are also used for some other infections. Rifamycin itself is sold as delayed-release tablets (Aemcolo) for travelers' diarrhea; it stays mostly in the gut.
For the nurse
Teach clients on rifampin that urine, sweat and tears turn reddish-orange and can stain soft contact lenses. Rifampin speeds the breakdown of many drugs, including warfarin and birth control pills, so a backup birth control method is needed. Report yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or loss of appetite.
At a glance
| Drug class | rifamycin antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Aemcolo |
| Spanish | rifamicina |
| Also written | rifamycins |
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
tuberculosis
An infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.