Antibiotic — Rifamycin (Adjunct Only)

Rifampicin (Burns — MRSA Adjunct/Biofilm)

Brand names: Rifadin, Rimactane

Rifampicin is a rifamycin antibacterial used in burns care as an adjunctive agent against staphylococcal infection, particularly meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, where its biofilm and intracellular penetration may add value alongside a primary anti-staphylococcal drug.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, suppressing RNA synthesis, and penetrates biofilm and phagocytes well, but rapid resistance emerges if it is used alone.

Prescribing in practice

Never use rifampicin as monotherapy for staphylococcal infection because resistance develops quickly; it must be combined with another active anti-staphylococcal agent.
It is a potent inducer of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes and causes numerous clinically important interactions, reducing the effect of many co-administered drugs.
Warn that it imparts a harmless red-orange discolouration to urine, sweat, tears and other body fluids and can stain soft contact lenses.

Monitoring

Monitor liver function and full blood count during therapy, with microbiology guidance on combination choice and duration.

Counselling the patient

Body fluids may turn red-orange, which is expected and harmless.
Tell the team about all other medicines, as rifampicin can weaken many of them, including hormonal contraception.
Report nausea, jaundice or unusual bruising.

Evidence & guidelines

Rifampicin combination therapy for resistant staphylococcal infection reflects established microbiological principles and MHRA-recognised resistance concerns.

Reference: BSAC Guidelines on Staphylococcal Infection; MHRA Drug Safety Update; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators