Rifapentine (rifapentine)

Rifamycins Oral Tablet

Advertisement

Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Rifapentine, a long-acting semisynthetic cyclopentylpiperazinyl derivative of rifamycin SV, is an ansamycin antituberculosis antibiotic.

Rifapentine, a long-acting semisynthetic cyclopentylpiperazinyl derivative of rifamycin SV, is an ansamycin antibiotic . Rifapentine is a lipophilic compound that is similar structurally and pharmacologically to rifampin and rifabutin.

Rifapentine has an antibacterial spectrum of activity similar to that of rifampin; however, on a molar basis, rifapentine and its active 25-desacetyl metabolite generally are more active than rifampin against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and more active than rifampin but less active than rifabutin against M. avium complex (MAC). The clinical relevance of activity of rifapentine against other mycobacterial species has not been established.

Against nonmycobacterial organisms, rifapentine is active in vitro against some gram-negative bacteria such as Brucella species, Legionella species, Neisseria species, Haemophilus influenza, Bordetella pertussis, and Bordetella parapertussis. The drug also has inhibitory activity against some gram-positive bacteria including streptococci, staphylococci, Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (formerly Corynebacterium haemolyticum), A. pyogenes, Listeria species, Turicella otitidis, Brevibacterium species, and Oerskovia species. Rifapentine generally was as active as or less active than rifampin against these bacteria.

Like rifampin, rifapentine also is active in vitro against Chlamydia species but not against mycoplasma.

Natural and acquired resistance to rifapentine have been observed in vitro and in vivo in strains of M. tuberculosis. A high level of cross-resistance has been demonstrated between rifampin and other rifamycin derivatives such as rifapentine. Cross resistance has not been demonstrated between rifapentine and non-rifamycin antimycobacterial agents such as isoniazid or streptomycin.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer's labeling should be consulted for more detailed information.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.

USES: This medication is used with other medications to treat active tuberculosis (TB) of the lungs. It may also be used with another medication (isoniazid) to prevent active TB infections in people who are infected with the bacteria (people with positive TB skin test). Rifapentine is known as a rifamycin antibiotic.

It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats 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.

Generic name: rifapentine
Pronunciation: (riff-uh-PEN-teen)
Drug class: Rifamycins
Therapeutic class: Anti-Infective Agents

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

Today’s intelligence on Rifapentine

Intelligence content is not available yet.

Indications

The following indications are listed for Rifapentine:

  • Inactive Tuberculosis
  • Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Also known as: Latent Tuberculosis, Pulmonary Tb.

Dosing

While the half-life of rifapentine is prolonged in patients with mild to severe hepatic impairment, accumulation of the drug in patients receiving intermittent dosing (recommended once or twice weekly dosing) is unlikely. Results of a pharmacokinetic study in patients with hepatic dysfunction indicate that no dosage adjustments appear to be necessary in these patients, and the manufacturer makes no specific recommendations.

The effects of renal impairment on the elimination of rifapentine have not been evaluated. Studies using radiolabeled rifapentine indicate that 17% of a dose of the drug is excreted in urine, suggesting that renal impairment may not substantially affect elimination of the drug. The manufacturer makes no specific recommendations regarding dosage adjustments in patients with impaired renal function.

Drug interactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to rifapentine, other rifamycins (e.g., rifampin and rifabutin), or any ingredient in the formulation.

Adverse reactions

There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Inactive tuberculosis
Z22.7ICD10CMLatent tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis
A15ICD10CMRespiratory tuberculosis
A15.0ICD10CMTuberculosis of lung
A15.7ICD10CMPrimary respiratory tuberculosis
A15.8ICD10CMOther respiratory tuberculosis

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

Search health-plan coverage for this drug by ZIP code.

Enter a ZIP code to view available health plans.

Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data