Indications
Mycobutin is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent bacterial infections caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with advanced HIV infection. It contains the antimycobacterial agent rifabutin. Rifabutin is classified as a rifamycin antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Mycobutin is used in combination with other medicines to treat mycobacterial infections tuberculosis (TB) or Mycobacteria avium-intracellulare complex (MAC). It can also be used to prevent infections in patients with HIV disease.
Use and Dosage
Mycobutin is available in ccapsule form and should be taken orally with or without food as directed by your doctor, typically once or twice daily. If stomach upset occurs, taking the medication with food may help.
The prescribed dosage of Mycobutin varies based on factors such as your medical condition, weight, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all products you're using, including prescription and non-prescription drugs and herbal products.
To get the best results, take this antibiotic at even intervals throughout the day. To remember to take it, consider taking it at the same time(s) every day. Continue using Mycobutin for the full duration of the prescribed amount, even if your symptoms improve. Halting medication use too early or skipping doses may cause the bacteria to continue growing and result in a relapse of the infection that could be more difficult to treat or resistant.
Remember to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and report any potential side effects or concerns during treatment with Mycobutin.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Mycobutin (Rifabutin):
- Burping
- Gas
- Muscle pain
- Rash and
- Red orange or brown discoloration of your skin tears sweat saliva urine or stools
- Upset stomach
Serious Side Effects of Mycobutin (Rifabutin):
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Cough
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Hives
- Pain when swallowing
- Painful mouth sores
- Severe eye redness
- Severe stomach pain
- Skin sores
- Small white or yellow patches on the surface of your eye
- Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
- Swollen gums
- Trouble breathing
Forms and Strength
Mycobutin (Rifabutin) is available in the following forms and strength:
Mycobutin: Capsule
- 150mg
Cautions
- Risk of bacterial resistance: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics, including Mycobutin, can lead to the development of bacterial resistance which can make the infection difficult to treat in the future.
- Interaction with other medications: Mycobutin may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants and certain HIV medications, and potentially increase the risk of side effects or reduce the efficacy of either medication.
- Potential for hepatotoxicity: Rifamycin antibiotics, including Mycobutin, can cause liver damage in rare cases.
- Use cautiously in patients with kidney problems: Mycobutin is primarily metabolized by the liver, but patients with severe kidney problems may require dose adjustment or monitoring to prevent potential side effects.
- Possible drug allergies: Patients with a history of allergies to rifamycins should not take Mycobutin.
- Risk of QT prolongation: Mycobutin may cause lengthening of the QT interval in the heart, which can lead to arrhythmias and other heart problems in rare cases.
- Risk of GI intolerance: Mycobutin can cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Risk of mycobacterial resistance: Prolonged use of Mycobutin or inadequate treatment can increase the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant strains.
- Risk of thrombocytopenia: Mycobutin can cause a reduction in the number of blood platelets, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Risk of uveitis: Mycobutin has been associated with inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.
- Risk of skin rash: Rifamycin antibiotics, including Mycobutin, can cause skin reactions such as rash, itching, and hives.
- Use cautiously in patients with HIV: Patients with HIV may require monitoring for potential interactions with other antiretroviral medications taken in combination with Mycobutin.
- Possible interactions with grapefruit: Mycobutin may interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Can Mycobutin be taken with food?
Mycobutin may be taken with or without food. However, it should be taken with food if it causes stomach upset.
Can Mycobutin interact with other medications?
Yes, Mycobutin may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants and certain HIV medications.
Can I drink grapefruit juice while taking Mycobutin?
No, you should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Mycobutin as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/rifabutin/what-is
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Mycobutin.aspx
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/mycobutin.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9734/mycobutin-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/050689s016lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/mycobutin-drug.htm
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