HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Rifampin Cause Liver Damage?

default
Posted on Fri, 27 Apr 2018
Question: Why would a doctor change a prescription from Xifaxin to Rifampin when it was prescribed for hapatic liver desease. Rifampin shows it can cause liver desease. We waant to help it not cause more!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
two possible issues

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question
XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets are used to treat hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in patients with liver disease.
Rifampin is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis.
My guess is that the doctor wrote for rifaximin (generic name for Xifaxan) and that would be the same medicine.
If the prescription was really for rifampin then that sounds like it was a mistake and definitely not something a patient with liver disease should be taking.
Check the label again and be sure it says rifampin. If it does then contact the doctor and/or pharmacist immediately.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (41 minutes later)
Thank you! They gave her the wrong medication!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
so glad you saw that

Detailed Answer:
It is great that you caught that. Thanks for taking care of her
Dr. Robinson
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Internal Medicine Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Can Rifampin Cause Liver Damage?

Brief Answer: two possible issues Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets are used to treat hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in patients with liver disease. Rifampin is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. My guess is that the doctor wrote for rifaximin (generic name for Xifaxan) and that would be the same medicine. If the prescription was really for rifampin then that sounds like it was a mistake and definitely not something a patient with liver disease should be taking. Check the label again and be sure it says rifampin. If it does then contact the doctor and/or pharmacist immediately. Regards, Dr. Robinson