Inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking RNA synthesis; bactericidal; excellent intracellular penetration
At a glance
Class
Rifamycin antibiotic
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from moisture and light
Dosing
Staphylococcal infections / Mycobacterial infections / Rhodococcus
Max dose
600 mg/dose; 1200 mg/day
Duration: 4–8 weeks; always use in combination
Mycobacterial infections
Duration: Long-term; always in combination
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 →Safety
Absolute contraindications — do not use
Adverse effects
Common
Orange discoloration of urine/tears/saliva
GI upset
Anorexia
Serious
Hepatotoxicity
Thrombocytopenia
Haemolytic anaemia
Hepatic enzymes (ALT, ALP)CBCBilirubinClinical response
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 →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Rifampin?
Rifampin is a rifamycin antibiotic used in pets. Inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking RNA synthesis; bactericidal; excellent intracellular penetration
›What is Rifampin used for in pets?
Rifampin is used in veterinary medicine for: Staphylococcal infections / Mycobacterial infections / Rhodococcus; Mycobacterial infections.
›What is the Rifampin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Rifampin is typically dosed as follows — Staphylococcal infections / Mycobacterial infections / Rhodococcus: 5–15 mg/kg PO SID to BID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Rifampin dose for cats?
For cats, Rifampin is typically dosed as follows — Mycobacterial infections: 10–15 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Rifampin?
Common: Orange discoloration of urine/tears/saliva, GI upset, Anorexia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatotoxicity, Thrombocytopenia, Haemolytic anaemia.
›Does Rifampin need a prescription?
Yes. Rifampin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Rifampin not be used?
Do not use Rifampin if: Severe hepatic disease; Monotherapy.
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 →References
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