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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
3

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
PO
Frequency
q24h or q12h
🐈

Cat

Used for mycobacterial infections, bartonellosis
Dose
10 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q24h

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

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.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →

Related medicines

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