Rifabutin
Rifabutin is an antimycobacterial antibiotic belonging to the rifamycin class, primarily used to treat and prevent infections caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV/AIDS. It is also used as part of combination therapy for the treatment of tuberculosis when other agents are not suitable.
Rifabutin is an antimycobacterial agent used primarily to prevent and treat MAC infections in immunocompromised patients and as an alternative tuberculosis treatment.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J04AB04
- RxNorm
- 55672
- Generic
- Rifabutin
- Class
- atc-j04
- Brands
- Talicia, Mycobutin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 300mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 300mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative therapies
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks; close monitoring required
fetal monitoring, assessment of maternal liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
rifabutin passes into breast milk; breastfeeding not recommended during treatment
infant should be monitored for signs of hepatotoxicity or hematologic effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment; monitor closely
use with caution due to age-related decrease in hepatic and renal function; start at lower end of dosing range
regular monitoring of liver function tests, complete blood count
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 12 years and olderweight-based dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients; dosing based on weight (5 mg/kg/day)
regular monitoring of liver function and blood counts
pediatric_age
children under 12 yearsweight-based dosing with caution
use only when benefits outweigh risks; limited safety data in very young children
close monitoring of liver function and hematologic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentconsider dose reduction in severe impairment
no standard dose adjustment; monitor drug levels if available; use with caution
regular monitoring of renal function, drug levels if therapeutic drug monitoring available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose or avoid
use with caution; dose reduction may be necessary; monitor liver function closely
frequent liver function tests, monitoring for signs of hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease
Drug class
ATC code J04AB04 - Antimycobacterials
Primary indications
Primary therapeutic uses in immunocompromised patients
Combination therapy
Rifabutin combined with amoxicillin/clavulanate for H. pylori
Prevention and treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in patients with advanced HIV infection; treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis as part of combination therapy when rifampin cannot be used; treatment of other mycobacterial infections such as Mycobacterium xenopi.
Rifabutin inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in susceptible bacterial strains, blocking bacterial RNA synthesis. It is effective against mycobacteria and certain gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, though resistance can develop through mechanisms similar to rifampin.
Rifabutin may cause discoloration of body fluids (orange-red). It has significant drug interactions due to cytochrome P450 enzyme induction. Common side effects include rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neutropenia. Requires monitoring for uveitis and liver function. Dosage adjustment may be needed in hepatic impairment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy