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Non-Technical Version

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses Dosage Information Contraindications Possible Side Effects Drug and Food Interactions Clinical Trials Manufacturer Information Non-Technical version in PDF

Rifabutin rif-a-BYOO-tin Brand Name: Mycobutin Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs Rifabutin, also known as Mycobutin, belongs to the class of medicines called antimycobacterials. Antimycobacterials prevent or treat infections caused by a certain type of bacterium, including the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).    HIV/AIDS-Related Uses Rifabutin was approved by the FDA on August 23, 1996, for use with other medications to prevent and treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Rifabutin is also used with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB) in HIV infected patients who are taking certain anti-HIV medications and also in some HIV uninfected patients. MAC and TB are opportunistic infections that commonly affect patients with HIV or AIDS.    Dosage Information Rifabutin comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth.    Contraindications Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.    Possible Side Effects Along with its desired effects, rifabutin can cause some serious unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include eye problems, including pain, redness, and loss of vision; skin itching, redness, or rash; stomach problems that are severe or last a long time, including diarrhea, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting; and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects. Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of this medicine. Less serious side effects of this medicine include headache and trouble sleeping. Rifabutin may change urine, feces, spit, sweat, tears, or skin to a red-orange or red-brown color. Colored tears may permanently stain soft contact lenses. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.    Drug and Food Interactions A doctor should be notified of any other medications also being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.    Clinical Trials Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Rifabutin.    Manufacturer Information Rifabutin     Pharmacia Corporation     100 Route 206 North     Peapack, NJ, 07977     (888) 768-5501   Mycobutin     Pharmacia Corporation     100 Route 206 North     Peapack, NJ, 07977     (888) 768-5501

Updated April 30, 2007.