Inhibits bacterial synthesis by binding to bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
Therapeutic Effects:
Decreased severity of travelers' diarrhea.
Spectrum:
Escherichia coli (enterotoxigenic and enteroaggregative strains).
Classifications⬆⬇
Therapeutic Classification: anti-infectives
Pharmacologic Classification: rifamycins
Pharmacokinetics⬆⬇
Absorption: Poorly absorbed (<0.1%), action is primarily in GI tract.
Distribution: Concentrated in gut.
Metabolism/Excretion: Primarily excreted in feces (86%).
Half-life: Unknown.
Time/Action Profile⬆⬇
(plasma concentrations)
ROUTE
ONSET
PEAK
DURATION
PO
unknown
unknown
unknown
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Instruct patient to take rifamycin as directed.
Advise patient to avoid use of alcohol during therapy.
Advise patient to discontinue rifamycin if diarrhea persists more than 48 hr or worsens and to seek medical treatment for fever and/or or blood in the stools, and not to treat with antidiarrheals without consulting health care professional.
Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.