What is Rifampin? Learn with Picmonic

Rifampin, also called rifampicin, is a bactericidal antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of active tuberculosis. Rifampin inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by inhibiting RNA polymerase. Rifampin resistance can develop quickly due to alteration of the binding sites on RNA polymerase so monotherapy should not be used in treatment of infections. Instead, rifampin is commonly used in combination with other antibiotics. Besides mycobacterium TB, rifampin is also used in the treatment of haemophilus influenza, leprosy, and meningitis. Rifampin is a well known P450 inducer and can increase the rate of metabolism of other drugs that are cleared by the liver through the p450 system. Taking rifampin can cause bodily fluids like urine and tears to become orange red in color, which may be alarming but is completely benign.