Rifampicin
Rifampicin
Rifampicin (pronounced: rɪˈfæmpɪsɪn), also known as rifampin in the United States, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of several types of bacterial infections, including tuberculosis, leprosy, and Legionnaire's disease.
Etymology
The term "Rifampicin" is derived from Rifamycin SV, which is a derivative of Amycolatopsis rifamycinica, the bacterium from which it was first isolated in 1957. The "-cin" suffix is common in antibiotics, indicating its role in inhibiting bacterial growth.
Usage
Rifampicin is primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis, often in combination with other antibiotics such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. It is also used in the treatment of leprosy, and in certain cases, can be used to treat Legionnaire's disease.
Mechanism of Action
Rifampicin works by inhibiting the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase of bacteria, preventing the transcription of DNA into RNA, and thus inhibiting protein synthesis. This effectively stops the bacteria from growing and reproducing.
Side Effects
Common side effects of rifampicin include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rash. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as hepatitis, jaundice, and anemia.
Related Terms
- Antibiotic
- Tuberculosis
- Leprosy
- Legionnaire's disease
- DNA-dependent RNA polymerase
- Isoniazid
- Pyrazinamide
- Ethambutol
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rifampicin
- Wikipedia's article - Rifampicin
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