Table: Rifamycins - Merck Manuals Consumer Version

Health Topics & Chapters

Rifamycins

Rifamycins

Drugs	Common Uses	Some Side Effects
Rifampin Rifabutin Rifapentine	Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) Tuberculosis is a chronic contagious infection caused by the airborne bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually affects the lungs. Tuberculosis is spread mainly when people breathe air... read more and infections related to tuberculosis Infections Caused by Bacteria Related to Tuberculosis (TB) The bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) are classified as mycobacteria. Many types of mycobacteria exist. Many of the types that do not cause tuberculosis (called nontuberculous mycobacteria)... read more For rifampin: Leprosy Leprosy Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. It results in damage primarily to the peripheral nerves (the nerves outside the brain... read more	Rash Liver dysfunction Gastrointestinal upset Red-orange saliva, sweat, tears, and urine Interactions with many drugs, often requiring changes in the dose
Rifaximin	Traveler’s diarrhea Traveler’s Diarrhea Traveler’s diarrhea is characterized by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting that commonly occur in travelers to areas of the world with poor water purification. Traveler's diarrhea can be caused... read more	Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and flatulence