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 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.1 (Antimicrobial Agents Used in Birds.a). 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. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1120, Rifampin monograph spanning p.1118-1120.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
| 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) doi:10.1002/9781118644317.ch20 — BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.376 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1120, Rifampin monograph spanning p.1118-1120. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.