Rifamycin


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Traveller's diarrhoea caused by non-invasive strains of E. coli
Adult: As rifamycin base (194 mg rifamycin is equivalent to 200 mg rifamycin sodium): 388 mg bid for 3 days. If symptoms worsen or persist >48 hours, discontinue treatment and consider alternative antibacterial agent.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to rifamycin or any rifamycin class antibiotic (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin, rifaximin).
Special Precautions
Patient with gastrointestinal obstructions or perforations, severe intestinal ulcerative lesions. Not indicated for the treatment of diarrhoea complicated by fever or bloody stool, or due to pathogens other than non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli. Renal and hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Bacterial superinfection including Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (prolonged use), reddish discolouration of the urine.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Fever.
Nervous system disorders: Headache.
Monitoring Parameters
Perform culture and susceptibility tests; consult local institutional recommendations before treatment initiation due to antibiotic resistance risks. Monitor the frequency of diarrhoea. Observe for bloody stools.
Drug Interactions
May increase the risk of severe disruption of gastrointestinal microbiota when given with other rifamycin class antibiotics; avoid concomitant use.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Rifamycin, an antibacterial agent, irreversibly blocks the β-subunit of the bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-dependent ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase, thus inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis and consequently bacterial growth. It is locally acting in the intestinal lumen due to its very low absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, therefore it is not clinically effective against invasive enteritis.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Bioavailability: <0.1% (fasted state).
Distribution: Plasma protein binding: Approx 80%, mainly to albumin.
Excretion: Via faeces (86%). Elimination half-life: Approx 1 hour.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Rifamycin

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6324616, Rifamycin. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Rifamycin. Accessed May 30, 2022.

Storage
Store between 15-30°C.
MIMS Class
Other Antibiotics
ATC Classification
A07AA13 - rifamycin ; Belongs to the class of antibiotics. Used in the treatment of intestinal infections.
References
Aemcolo Tablet, Delayed Release (Aries Pharmaceuticals Inc). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 02/03/2022.

Anon. Rifamycin. AHFS Clinical Drug Information [online]. Bethesda, MD. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. https://www.ahfscdi.com. Accessed 02/03/2022.

Anon. Rifamycin. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 02/03/2022.

Buckingham R (ed). Rifamycin Sodium. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 02/03/2022.

Relafalk 200 mg Modified-release Tablets (Dr Falk Pharma GmbH). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 02/03/2022.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Rifamycin from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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