Rifapentine
Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Latent Tuberculosis
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
YES
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Rifamycin Antimycobacterial
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Rifapentine
Summary
Rifapentine is an antibiotic used to treat active and latent tuberculosis. It is used in adults and children 12 years and older for active tuberculosis, and in adults and children 2 years and older for latent tuberculosis who are at high risk of progressing to active disease.
Rifapentine works by inhibiting a protein in bacteria called DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which is essential for bacterial RNA synthesis. By doing this, it prevents the bacteria from reproducing and spreading, effectively killing the bacteria and treating the infection.
For active tuberculosis in adults and children 12 years and older, Rifapentine is typically taken at a dose of 600 mg twice weekly for the first 2 months, then once weekly for 4 months. For latent tuberculosis, it's taken once weekly for 12 weeks. For children aged 2 to 11 years, the dose is based on weight, up to a maximum of 900 mg once weekly.
Common side effects of Rifapentine include discoloration of body fluids, dizziness, increased sweating, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious adverse effects can include liver problems, hypersensitivity reactions, and severe skin reactions.
Rifapentine can cause serious liver problems and severe skin reactions. It's contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to rifamycins. Patients should be monitored for liver injury and hypersensitivity symptoms. It should not be used alone for active TB or in patients with rifampin-resistant TB.
Indications and Purpose
How does Rifapentine work?
Rifapentine works by inhibiting the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in bacteria, which is essential for bacterial RNA synthesis. This action prevents the bacteria from reproducing and spreading, effectively killing the bacteria and treating the infection.
Is Rifapentine effective?
Rifapentine has been studied in clinical trials for the treatment of active and latent tuberculosis. It is effective when used in combination with other antituberculosis drugs. Studies have shown it helps in reducing the relapse rates of tuberculosis when taken as prescribed.
What is Rifapentine?
Rifapentine is an antibiotic used to treat active and latent tuberculosis. It works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection, specifically by inhibiting the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in the bacteria. This prevents the bacteria from reproducing and spreading, helping to clear the infection.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Rifapentine?
Rifapentine is typically used for 6 months in the treatment of active tuberculosis, with an initial phase of 2 months followed by a continuation phase of 4 months. For latent tuberculosis infection, it is used once weekly for 12 weeks.
How do I dispose of Rifapentine?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How do I take Rifapentine?
Rifapentine should be taken with food to increase its absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset. There are no specific food restrictions, but it is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and not to miss doses.
How long does it take for Rifapentine to start working?
Rifapentine begins to work soon after starting the treatment, but it may take several weeks to see significant improvement in symptoms. It is important to complete the full course of therapy to ensure the infection is fully treated.
How should I store Rifapentine?
Rifapentine should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), and kept dry and away from heat. It should be stored in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
What is the usual dose of Rifapentine?
For adults and children 12 years and older with active tuberculosis, Rifapentine is typically taken at a dose of 600 mg twice weekly for the first 2 months, then once weekly for 4 months. For latent tuberculosis, it is taken once weekly for 12 weeks. For children aged 2 to 11 years, the dose is based on weight, up to a maximum of 900 mg once weekly.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Rifapentine with other prescription drugs?
Rifapentine is an inducer of CYP450 enzymes, which can decrease the effectiveness of drugs metabolized by these enzymes, such as protease inhibitors, certain reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and hormonal contraceptives. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking to avoid interactions.
Can Rifapentine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
There is no data on the presence of Rifapentine in human milk, but it may cause discoloration of breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should monitor infants for signs of hepatotoxicity. The benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the mother's need for Rifapentine and potential risks to the infant.
Can Rifapentine be taken safely while pregnant?
Rifapentine may cause fetal harm based on animal studies, but human data is insufficient to establish a risk. Pregnant women should be advised of potential risks, and Rifapentine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Monitoring for maternal and fetal health is recommended.
Does Rifapentine have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted or harmful effects caused by a medicine. Rifapentine can cause some adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and rash, which are not very common. Serious adverse effects, though rare, include liver problems and severe allergic reactions. If you experience symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Always report new symptoms to your healthcare provider and consult them before stopping the medicine.
Does Rifapentine have any safety warnings?
Rifapentine has safety warnings, including the risk of liver problems. It can cause liver damage, so it's important to watch for symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue. Another warning is the potential for allergic reactions, which can cause rash, itching, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor liver function during treatment.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Rifapentine?
Most people tolerate Rifapentine well, and occasional alcoholic drinks should not affect the way this medicine works. There are no well-established interactions between Rifapentine and alcohol that would interfere with the medicine's effectiveness. However, excessive alcohol consumption can strain the liver, which is also affected by Rifapentine. It's best to drink alcohol in moderation and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Rifapentine?
Rifapentine may cause dizziness and fatigue, which could potentially affect your ability to exercise. If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities and consult your doctor for guidance.
Is it safe to stop Rifapentine?
Rifapentine is used to treat infections, such as tuberculosis. Stopping it abruptly can lead to the infection not being fully treated, which can cause the bacteria to become resistant to the medicine. This can make the infection harder to treat in the future. There are no known withdrawal symptoms, but it's crucial to complete the full course as prescribed. Always consult your doctor before stopping Rifapentine to avoid complications.
Is Rifapentine addictive?
Rifapentine is not addictive and has no known potential for dependence. It does not cause physical or psychological dependence, so there are no specific behaviors or warning signs to watch for. You can take Rifapentine as prescribed without worrying about addiction. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for use.
Is Rifapentine safe for the elderly?
Clinical studies with Rifapentine did not include enough subjects aged 65 and over to determine if they respond differently from younger subjects. Elderly patients should use Rifapentine under close medical supervision, especially if they have liver issues or are taking multiple medications.
What are the most common side effects of Rifapentine?
A side effect is an unwanted effect caused by a medicine. Common side effects of Rifapentine include nausea, vomiting, rash, and joint pain. These are not very common and usually mild. When starting a new medicine, people might experience new symptoms that could be unrelated or temporary. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medicine to ensure it's safe to do so.
Who should avoid taking Rifapentine?
Rifapentine can cause serious liver problems, hypersensitivity reactions, and severe skin reactions. It is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to rifamycins. Patients should be monitored for liver injury and hypersensitivity symptoms. It should not be used alone for active TB or in patients with rifampin-resistant TB.
