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Rifabutin
rif-a-BYOO-tin   Audio

Brand Name: Mycobutin  Audio
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Rifabutin, also known as Mycobutin, belongs to the class of medicines called antimycobacterials. Antimycobacterials prevent or treat infections caused by a certain type of bacterium, including the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Rifabutin was approved by the FDA on August 23, 1996, for use with other medications to prevent and treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Rifabutin is also used with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB) in HIV infected patients who are taking certain anti-HIV medications and also in some HIV uninfected patients. MAC and TB are opportunistic infections that commonly affect patients with HIV or AIDS.

Dosage Form/Administration
Rifabutin comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth.

Contraindications

Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, rifabutin can cause some serious unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include eye problems, including pain, redness, and loss of vision; skin itching, redness, or rash; stomach problems that are severe or last a long time, including diarrhea, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting; and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of this medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include headache and trouble sleeping. Rifabutin may change urine, feces, spit, sweat, tears, or skin to a red-orange or red-brown color. Colored tears may permanently stain soft contact lenses. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications also being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Rifabutin.

Manufacturer Information
Rifabutin
  Pharmacia Corporation
  100 Route 206 North
  Peapack,  NJ  07977
  (888) 768-5501
    

Mycobutin
  Pharmacia Corporation
  100 Route 206 North
  Peapack,  NJ  07977
  (888) 768-5501
    
Updated April 30, 2007