JMM profile: rifampicin: a broad- spectrum antibiotic

Rifampicin (also known as rifampin) inhibits RNA synthesis, and is used to treat tuberculosis, leprosy, staphylococcal infec-tions and legionnaires' disease. It can also protect at -risk populations from Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria men-ingitidis. It is a polyketide antibiotic and is on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines due to its critical importance to human medicine. The adverse effect of liver toxicity is controlled by testing during prolonged treatment regimes. Rifampicin's red-orange colour can result in the colouration of sweat, tears and urine. Resistance to rifampicin arises from mutation of the target RNA polymerase or ADP ribosylation of the antibiotic or efflux. Mycobacteria may become singularly resistant to rifampicin or as part of multidrug or extensive drug resistance.

Automated summary

Rifampicin, also known as rifampin, is a drug that inhibits RNA synthesis and is used for treating various infections, including tuberculosis and leprosy. It can also protect vulnerable populations from certain infections. Rifampicin is considered a critically important medication in human medicine and is included in the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. However, prolonged use of rifampicin can cause liver toxicity, and its red-orange coloration can affect sweat, tears, and urine. Some bacteria may develop resistance to rifampicin.