Is Rifampicin Capsule an Antibiotic or Anti-Inflammatory Drug?

Rifampicin Capsules: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

I. Is Rifampicin Capsule an Antibiotic?

Rifampicin Capsule is not an anti-inflammatory drug; it is an anti-tuberculosis medication that belongs to the class of antibiotics. It is primarily used for the treatment of leprosy. While Rifampicin Capsule can aid in the treatment of diseases, it also has significant side effects, such as gastrointestinal reactions, hepatotoxicity, allergic reactions, and other adverse reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions strictly when taking Rifampicin Capsules.

Rifampicin exhibits antibacterial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and some non-tuberculous mycobacteria (including Mycobacterium leprae) both inside and outside host cells. Rifampicin has good antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Although it has many antibacterial effects, it is not an anti-inflammatory drug; in essence, it is an antibiotic.

II. Indications for Rifampicin Capsules

1. Combined with other anti-tuberculosis drugs, it is used for the initial and retreatment of various tuberculosis cases, including tuberculous meningitis.
2. Combined with other drugs, it is used for the treatment of leprosy and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections.
3. Combined with vancomycin, it is used for severe infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Rifampicin combined with erythromycin is used for severe Legionella infections.
4. Used in asymptomatic meningitis carriers to eliminate Neisseria meningitidis, but not suitable for the treatment of meningococcal infections.

III. Side Effects of Rifampicin Capsules

1. Gastrointestinal reactions are the most common side effects. Oral administration of Rifampicin Capsules can cause gastrointestinal reactions such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea, with an incidence rate of 1.7%-4.0%. However, most people can tolerate these reactions without feeling particularly uncomfortable.
2. Hepatotoxicity is the primary adverse reaction of Rifampicin Capsules, occurring in approximately 1% of patients. In the first few weeks of treatment, a few patients may experience elevated serum transaminase levels, hepatomegaly, and jaundice. Most of these cases involve asymptomatic transient elevations in serum transaminase levels that can resolve during treatment. Elderly patients, alcoholics, malnourished individuals, patients with primary liver disease, or those with liver dysfunction caused by other factors are more susceptible to hepatotoxicity.