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Rifabutin

Pronounced

"rye-fuh-BYOU-tin"

Common brand names:

Mycobutin

Uses

This medication is used alone or with another medication to help prevent a certain serious infection (Mycobacterium avium complex-MAC). Rifabutin is known as a rifamycin antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats and prevents only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for active MAC infection or active tuberculosis (TB) infection. It may also be used to reduce the risk of active TB infections in people who may be infected with the bacteria (people with positive TB skin test).

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Take this medication with food if stomach upset occurs. For the treatment of tuberculosis, this drug is sometimes taken twice weekly.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may result in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult to treat (resistant).

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.