Mycobutin

What is it?

An anti-mycobaeterial preparation and ansamycin, available as reddish-brown capsules containing 150mg of rifabutin.

Medical Uses

Pulmonary tuberculosis, treatment of non-tuberculous infections caused by mycobacteria, prevention of mycobacterial infections in appropriate HIV patients.

Dosage

Adults, pulmonary tuberculosis, 1 to 3 capsules each day in combination with other drugs - treatment to continue for at least 6 months; treatment of non-tuberculous, mycobacterial infections, 3 to 4 capsules each day in combination with other drugs, continuing for up to 6 months after cultivation of sputum is clear. If used with triazole antifungals or macrolides, the dose may need to be lowered to 2 capsules daily. Prevention, 2 capsules daily as sole treatment.

Special Care

Severe kidney or liver disease. Patients should be monitored for WBC, blood platelets and liver enzymes and Also, for occurrence of uveitis ( eye disease). Wearers of soft contact lenses should be warned that lenses may become stained.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cyclosporin, phenytoin, macrolides, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, analgesics, carbamazepine, triazole antifungals, protease inhibitors, corticosteroids, digitalis, dapsone, hypoglycaemics taken by mouth, zidovudine, quinidine.

Known Side Effects

Pains in muscles and joints, gastrointestinal upset, discolouration of body secretions, urine and skin, uveitis (eye inflammation), abnormal decrease in white blood cells (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia).

Manufacturer

Pharmacia.