ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/rifampin
US brand names:Rifadin
Rifampin is dosed at 10–20 mg/kg PO q12-24h in african grey parrots, per 240. Dorrestein GM. Antimicrobial drug use in companion birds. In: PrescottJF, Baggot JD, Walker RD, eds. Antimicrobial Therapy in Veterinary Medicine, 3rd ed., Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA; 2000:617-636. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.420 doi:10.1002/9781118675014.ch35 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.1 (Antimicrobial Agents Used in Birds.a). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking RNA synthesis. Excellent intracellular penetration.
Always use in combination (rapid resistance when used alone). Potent CYP inducer (many drug interactions). Orange/red discoloration of urine, tears. Hepatotoxic — monitor liver enzymes.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Amazon Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Horse (Equine) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 5 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 5–10 mg/kg | q12h | Moderate | Hillier A, Lloyd DH, Weese JS, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (antimicrobial guidelines working group of the international society for companion animal infectious diseases). Vet Dermatol. 2014;25(3):163-e43. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1147 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1120, Rifampin monograph spanning p.1118-1120; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 10–15 mg/kg | q24h | Weak | Malik R, Smits B, Reppas G, Laprie C, O’Brien C, Fyfe J. Ulcerated and nonulcerated nontuberculous cutaneous mycobacterial granulomas in cats and dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2013;24(1):146-153.e32-3. (Plumb's Rifampin ref 24, supporting the corroborating feline entry) — Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.376 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1120, Rifampin monograph spanning p.1118-1120; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, Part A — Canine and Feline — ISBN 9781910443705, ; Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.