Rifamycins - Antibiotics for Tuberculosis and Meningitis

Rifamycins are a group of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to the bacterial RNA polymerase enzyme.

Rifamycins FAQ

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What are rifamycins?

The rifamycins are a group of antibiotics that are synthesized either naturally by the bacterium Amycolatopsis rifamycinica or artificially. They are a subclass of the larger family of ansamycins.

Which rifamycin is used in dermatology?

Rifampin, rifabutin rifapentine, and rifaximin are rifamycins that are currently available. Rifampin was released in 1967 and is the most commonly used ‘rifamycin’ in dermatology. Of the members of this family: Rifampin, rifabutin, and rifapentine are well absorbed and used for systemic therapy.

Which rifamycin is used for tuberculosis?

The rifamycins include rifampin, rifapentine, and rifabutin. Of these, rifampin is most commonly used, either as first-line therapy (in combination with other agents) for treatment of mycobacterial disease (including tuberculosis) or for select invasive staphylococcal infections (as part of combination therapy) [ 1-4 ].

Where did rifamycin come from?

The first information on the biosynthesis of the rifamycins came from studies using the stable isotope Carbon-13 and NMR spectroscopy to establish the origin of the carbon skeleton. These studies showed that the ansa chain was derived from acetate and propionate, in common with other polyketide antibiotics.