Rifabutin Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 12, 2024.
Applies to rifabutin: oral capsule.
Serious side effects of rifabutin
Along with its needed effects, rifabutin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking rifabutin:
Less common side effects
- black, tarry stools
- chest pain
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- fever
- heartburn
- indigestion
- itching or skin rash
- loss of appetite
- loss of strength or energy
- muscle pain
- painful or difficult urination
- sore throat
- ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare side effects
- bruising or purple spots on the skin
- change in taste
- eye pain
- joint pain
- loss of vision
- lower back or side pain
- muscle swelling or pain
- pale skin
- yellow skin
Incidence not known
- burning, dry, or itching eyes
- discharge, excessive tearing
- hoarseness
- redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
- stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness
- watery and severe diarrhea, which may also be bloody
Other side effects of rifabutin
Some side effects of rifabutin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common side effects
- bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste in the mouth
- belching
- bloated or full feeling
- discoloration of the urine
- excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
- headache
- nausea
- passing gas
- trouble sleeping
For healthcare professionals
Applies to rifabutin: oral capsule.
Cardiovascular adverse events
- Frequency not reported: Nonspecific T wave changes on ECG
Dermatologic
- Very common (10% or more): Rash (up to 11%)
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin discoloration
- Frequency not reported: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions
- Postmarketing reports: Rash, skin discoloration, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms [DRESS], severe cutaneous adverse reactions
There have been reports of DRESS and other severe cutaneous adverse reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis) associated with this drug.
Gastrointestinal
- Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, gastrointestinal intolerance/symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, eructation, flatulence, nausea and vomiting, vomiting
- Postmarketing reports: Clostridioides difficile associated diarrhea, C difficile colitis
Rifamycin Class Antibiotics:
- Frequency not reported: C difficile colitis
Genitourinary
- Very common (10% or more): Discolored urine (up to 30%)
Hematologic
- Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia (up to 25%), leukopenia (up to 17%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Anemia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, lymphopenia, granulocytopenia, decreased WBC count, decreased neutrophil count, decreased platelet count
- Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hemolysis
- Frequency not reported: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, blood/lymphatic system disorders
- Postmarketing reports: WBC disorders, decreased platelet count, eosinophilia
Neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count less than 750/mm3), leukopenia (WBC values less than 1500/mm3), anemia (hemoglobin values less than 8 g/dL), and thrombocytopenia (platelet count values less than 50,000/mm3) have been reported in 25%, 17%, 6%, and 5% of patients, respectively.
WBC disorders included agranulocytosis, leukopenia, lymphopenia, granulocytopenia, neutropenia, decreased WBC count, and decreased neutrophil count.
Hepatic
- Very common (10% or more): Jaundice (up to 12%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Increased AST, increased ALT
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased hepatic enzymes
- Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hepatitis
- Frequency not reported: Abnormal liver function tests
Increased AST (greater than 150 units/L) and ALT (greater than 150 units/L) have been reported in 9% and 7% of patients, respectively.
Hypersensitivity
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity
- Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity
Rifamycin Class Antibiotics:
- Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic shock
- Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity to rifamycins have been reported, including influenza-like symptoms, bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria, angioedema, conjunctivitis, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia.
Metabolic
- Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia
Musculoskeletal
- Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Arthralgia
- Frequency not reported: Myositis, generalized arthralgia
Nervous system
- Common (1% to 10%): Headache, taste perversion
- Frequency not reported: Seizure, paresthesia, aphasia
Ocular
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Uveitis, corneal deposits
Other
- Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, asthenia, chest pain, fever, pain
- Frequency not reported: Influenza-like syndrome, chest pressure/pain, increased alkaline phosphatase
Chest pressure or pain with dyspnea has been reported.
Increased alkaline phosphatase (greater than 450 units/L) has been reported in less than 1% of patients.
Psychiatric
- Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia
- Frequency not reported: Confusion
Respiratory
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bronchospasm
- Frequency not reported: Dyspnea
- Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm
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Further information
Rifabutin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.