Abstract

Rifampicin (Rifadin-Lepetit; Rimactane-Ciba) is a semi-synthetic antibiotic derived from Streptomyces mediterranei which inhibits the synthesis of bacterial messenger-RNA. In vitro it is active against Gram-positive organisms and mycobacteria in low concentrations (0.0002 – 0.5 mcg/ml); and against Gram-negative organisms in higher concentrations (1 – 10 mcg/ml). Drug-resistant mutants readily emerge if rifampicin is used alone.¹ It is already established as an important agent in the treatment of tuberculosis. Its usefulness in other bacterial and in viral infections is uncertain.