Adult

Rifampicin

General Information

Rifamycin

Restricted formulary antimicrobial: For details see OUH netFormulary

For all information regarding contra-indications, interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF and Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

Dosage

 

IV or oral dose
Standard dose

600mg–1.2g in 2-4 divided doses
Tuberculosis

See Tuberculosis section.

Renal and hepatic impairment

Dose in renal impairment

  • Baseline U&Es are required.
  • Use with caution in renal impairment if dose is over 600mg per day

eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2)

Dose (IV or oral)

30 and above

Dose as in normal renal function

Less than 30

Use 50-100% of normal dose

HDF/High Flux/PD

Dialysed

Dose as in eGFR less than 30ml/min/1.73m2

 Note: Doses are based on Renal Drug Database

 

Hepatic impairment

  • Rifampicin is contra-indicated in the presence of jaundice, discuss with Micro/ID
  • Use with caution in hepatic impairment. A daily dose of 8mg/kg should not be exceeded in patients with impaired liver function.
  • Monitor LFTs before therapy, then once a week for two weeks, then every two weeks for the next six weeks.
  • If clinically significant changes in hepatic function or signs of hepatocellular damage occur, rifampicin should be withdrawn.
  • FBC should be monitored in patients with hepatic impairment before and during therapy. 

Notable interactions

There are multiple interactions between rifampicin and other medications. Ensure interactions are checked with the BNF and SPC. Discussion with a pharmacist is advised.

References

  1. Viatris. Rifampicin 300 mg Capsules summary of product characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium. Last revision of the text 04/2026. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 7/8/26.
  2. Sanofi. Rifadin for infusion summary of product characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium. Last revision of the text 03/06/2026. Accessed via www.medicines.org.uk Accessed 7/8/26.
  3. British National Formulary. Rifampicin. BNF online, accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 7/8/26.
  4. The Renal Drug Database. Rifampicin. Last updated 28/10/24. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 7/8/26.
  5. Sanford Guide [online] Rifampicin. Last updated 6/8/26. Accessed via https://webedition.sanfordguide.com Accessed 7/8/26.
  6. UKCPA Critical Care Group (2013) Drug dosing in extremes of body weight in critically ill patients. Accessed 7/8/26.
  7. All-Wales Antimicrobial Pharmacists’ Group (2022) Antimicrobial dosing in extremes of body weight in adults. Accessed 7/8/26.
  8. Castro-Balado A., Varela-Rey I., Mejuto B., Mondelo-García C., Zarra-Ferro I., Rodríguez-Jato T., Fernández-Ferreiro A. (2024) Updated antimicrobial dosing recommendations for obese patients.  Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2024; 68(5). Accessed 7/8/26.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 07 Aug 2026

Next review date: 07 Aug 2029

Author(s): AMST.