Rifampin

g. post operative or comatose patients or patients in whom gastrointestinal absorption is impaired.

Tuberculosis:

Rifadin, used in combination with other active anti- tuberculosis drugs, is indicated in the treatment of all forms of tuberculosis, including fresh, advanced, chronic and drug-resistant cases. Rifadin is also effective against most atypical strains of Mycobacteria.

Leprosy:

Rifadin, used in combination with at least one other active anti- leprosy drug, is indicated in the management of multibacillary and paucibacillary leprosy to effect conversion of the infectious state to a non- infectious state.

Other infections:

Rifadin is indicated in the treatment of Brucellosis, Legionnaires Disease, and serious staphylococcal infections. To prevent emergence of resistant strains of the infecting organisms, Rifadin should be used in combination with another antibiotic appropriate for the infection.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

In the treatment of both tuberculosis and the meningococcal carrier state, the small number of resistant cells present within large populations of susceptible cells can rapidly become the predominant type. Bacteriologic cultures should be obtained before the start of therapy to confirm the susceptibility of the organism to rifampin and they should be repeated throughout therapy to monitor the response to treatment.

Since resistance can emerge rapidly, susceptibility tests should be performed in the event of persistent positive cultures during the course of treatment. If test results show resistance to rifampin and the patient is not responding to therapy, the drug regimen should be modified.

Tuberculosis Rifampin is indicated in the treatment of all forms of tuberculosis. A three-drug regimen consisting of rifampin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide is recommended in the initial phase of short-course therapy which is usually continued for 2 months.

It is recommended that ROFACT (rifampin) be administered once daily on an empty stomach (one hour before a meal) to ensure optimum absorption. In the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, ROFACT must be given in conjunction with at least one other antituberculosis agent.

In general, therapy should be continued until bacterial conversion has been established and maximum clinical improvement has occurred. If a ROFACT - PAS combination therapy is employed, it is recommended that the two drugs be administered at intervals of 8-12 hours.

Usual adult and adolescent dose Tuberculosis: - in combination with other antituberculosis medications: oral, 600 mg once a day for the entire treatment period; or 10 mg per kg of body weight, up to 600 mg, two or three times a week, depending on the treatment regimen.

Meningococcal infection (prophylaxis): - oral, 600 mg two times a day for two days. In patients with impaired liver function, a daily dose of 8 mg/kg should not be exceeded. A daily dosage of 10 mg/kg of body weight is recommended for frail and elderly persons.