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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Rifabutin

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Rifabutin

  • Rifabutin is used to treat mycobacterial infections (like tuberculosis), and to prevent such infections in people with low immunity.
  • Treatment is usually for at least six months.
  • Rifabutin can interfere with 'the pill' and other medicines.
  • Some contact lenses are discoloured by rifabutin.

About rifabutin

Type of medicineAntituberculosis drug
Used forTreatment of tuberculosis and similar infections
To prevent mycobacterial infections in those with low immunity
Also calledMycobutin®
Available asCapsules

Rifabutin is an antibiotic used to treat infections including tuberculosis (also known as TB). It is used for TB in combination with several other antibiotics. It can also be used on its own to prevent infections occurring in those with a lowered immune system (people more prone to infection).

Before taking rifabutin

Before taking rifabutin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
  • If you have kidney problems.
  • If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take rifabutin

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • You must complete the course of rifabutin.
  • Do not stop taking rifabutin without speaking to your doctor first
  • Try to take rifabutin at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Important: rifabutin reduces the effects of oral hormonal contraception. If you are taking 'the pill', speak to your doctor for advice before taking rifabutin.
  • This medicine may colour urine, saliva and other body fluids orange-red. This is completely harmless and should be no cause for concern.
  • Rifabutin can cause discolouration of soft contact lenses and you should not wear these during treatment.
  • You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will need to have regular blood and urine tests while taking rifabutin.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.

Can rifabutin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Muscle and joint pain, fever or rashSpeak with your doctor

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or severe persistent diarrhoea, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store rifabutin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Mycobutin®, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised November 2006.
  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3639DocRef: dils3289Last Reviewed: 3 Jun 2008Version: 23
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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