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Rifampicin

Prescription

Rifamycin Antibiotic

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

6 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking transcription. Bactericidal. Excellent intracellular penetration — effective against intracellular organisms including Brucella, Mycobacterium, and Rhodococcus equi.

At a glance

Class

Rifamycin Antibiotic

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for Brucella infections (MUST combine with doxycycline — resistance develop

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h or q12h

🐈

Cat

Used for mycobacterial infections, bartonellosis

Dose

10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q24h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Hepatic enzymes monthly during prolonged therapyCBCDrug levels/response of coadministered drugs

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 4

Cyclosporine (Systemic)

major

Rifampicin is the most potent known CYP3A4 inducer, reducing cyclosporine plasma levels by 50-90% within days, causing therapeutic failure and transplant rejection or immune-mediated disease flare.

Management: Avoid combination. If essential, increase cyclosporine dose 2-5 fold and monitor trough levels closely. Consider alternative antibiotic.

Ketoconazole (Systemic)

major

Rifampicin induces CYP3A4 metabolism of ketoconazole, dramatically reducing ketoconazole levels. Ketoconazole inhibits rifampicin absorption. Bidirectional antagonism.

Management: Avoid combination — both drugs lose efficacy. Use alternative antifungal or alternative antimycobacterial.

Itraconazole

major

Rifampicin induces CYP3A4, reducing itraconazole levels by 70-90%. Renders antifungal therapy ineffective.

Management: Do not combine. Choose one: treat mycobacterial infection OR fungal infection sequentially, not concurrently.

Methadone

major

Rifampicin induces CYP3A4 and CYP2B6, dramatically increasing methadone metabolism and causing opioid withdrawal or loss of analgesia.

Management: Avoid combination. If unavoidable, increase methadone dose significantly and monitor pain scores closely.

Moderate — 2

Digoxin

moderate

Rifampicin induces P-glycoprotein and intestinal CYP3A4, reducing digoxin bioavailability and increasing renal clearance.

Management: Monitor digoxin levels. May need to increase digoxin dose by 50-100% during rifampicin course.

Prednisolone

moderate

Rifampicin induces CYP3A4 metabolism of corticosteroids, reducing prednisolone efficacy by ~50%.

Management: May need to double corticosteroid dose during rifampicin therapy. Monitor clinical response.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Rifadin

Rimactane

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Rifampicin?

Rifampicin is a rifamycin antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis by binding DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking transcription. Bactericidal. Excellent intracellular penetration — effective against intracellular organisms including Brucella, Mycobacterium, and Rhodococcus equi.

›What is Rifampicin used for in pets?

Rifampicin is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for Brucella infections (MUST combine with doxycycline — resistance develop; Used for mycobacterial infections, bartonellosis.

›What is the Rifampicin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Rifampicin is typically dosed as follows — Used for Brucella infections (MUST combine with doxycycline — resistance develop: 5–10 mg/kg PO q24h or q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Rifampicin dose for cats?

For cats, Rifampicin is typically dosed as follows — Used for mycobacterial infections, bartonellosis: 10 mg/kg PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Rifampicin need a prescription?

Yes. Rifampicin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Rifamycin Antibiotic).

Rifampin

Inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking RNA synthesis; bactericidal; excellent intracellular penetration

dogcat