Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Rifabutin is employed to prevent or impede the progression of Mycobacterium avium complex disease (MAC), a bacterial infection that may lead to severe symptoms, particularly in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It is additionally used in combination with other medications to eradicate H. pylori, a bacterium known to cause ulcers.
Rifabutin falls into the category of medications referred to as antimycobacterials, and its mechanism of action involves the destruction of the bacteria responsible for the infection.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication orally, with or without food, as instructed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. If you experience stomach upset, you may take this medication with food. In the case of tuberculosis treatment, the drug may be taken twice weekly.
The prescribed dosage depends on your medical condition, weight, response to treatment, and any other medications you may be using. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
To maximize the effectiveness of this antibiotic, take it at consistent intervals. Establish a routine by taking the medication at the same time(s) every day to help you remember.
Continue taking this medication until you complete the full prescribed course, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may result in a recurrence of the infection and could make it more challenging to treat (resistant).
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- heartburn
- burping
- gas
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- altered sense of taste
- rash
- muscle pain
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during treatment or for up to two or more months after stopping treatment
- rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing,swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes,hoarseness, pink eye, or flu like symptoms
- eye redness, pain, blurred vision or other vision changes
- cough that lasts a long time
- coughing up blood
- chest pain
- unexplained weight loss
- extreme tiredness
- fever
- night sweats
- chills
- loss of appetite
- unusual bruising or bleeding
Caution
- Before taking rifabutin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, whether to rifabutin, other rifamycins (such as rifampin), or any other substances, as inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a specific blood disorder known as porphyria.
- Rifabutin may impact the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Inform your healthcare professional that you are using rifabutin before undergoing any immunizations or vaccinations.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only if absolutely necessary. Discuss the associated risks and benefits with your doctor.
- It is unclear whether this medication passes into breast milk. If you have HIV, there is a risk of transmitting HIV through breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding to make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.
Form and Strength
Mycobutin is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Mycobutin (form):
- 150 mg
FAQ
How long should Mycobutin be taken?
You may have to take it every day for many months.
Does Mycobutin stain teeth?
This medicine can color your teeth, urine, sweat, tears, and mucous. The color may stain your teeth for good.
Resources
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19903-rifabutin-capsules
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/rifabutin-oral-route/description/drg-20065803
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9734/mycobutin-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a693009.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/mycobutin.html
