A semisynthetic antibiotic produced from Streptomyces mediterranei. It has a broad antibacterial spectrum, including activity against several forms of Mycobacterium. In susceptible organisms it inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity by forming a stable complex with the enzyme. It thus suppresses the initiation of RNA synthesis. Rifampin is bactericidal, and acts on both intracellular and extracellular organisms. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p1160)

DUI

D012293 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0019110

CAS

Rifamycin, 3-(((4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)imino)methyl)-

Previous indexing

Rifamycins (1966-1972)

History note

73

Public note

73