Rifampin (Generic) Capsules, 150mg

Antibiotic Capsules for Resistant Bacterial Infections in Pets

Product Description

Rifampin 150mg Capsules are a prescription rifamycin-class antibiotic used by vets for serious resistant bacterial infections in dogs, horses, and occasionally cats. It blocks bacterial RNA polymerase, stopping messenger RNA formation and killing the cell. Because resistance builds fast on solo use, rifampin is always paired with another antibiotic for resistant staph, Rhodococcus equi, and mycobacterial infections. Intensive liver monitoring is required throughout treatment.

Benefits

• Resistant Staphylococcal Treatment: Effective against resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius infections including pyoderma not responding to first-line antibiotics.
• Rhodococcus Equi in Foals: Primary treatment for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals when paired with a macrolide antibiotic like azithromycin or erythromycin.
• Mycobacterial Infection Support: Used alongside other agents to treat tuberculous and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in dogs and cats.
• Unique Mechanism of Action: Targets bacterial RNA synthesis, working differently from most antibiotics and effective when other drugs have already failed.
• Limited Antifungal Properties: May provide some antifungal activity when combined with other antifungal medications as part of a combination treatment protocol.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Rifampin 150mg

How to Use

Rifampin 150mg Capsules are a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your pet.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your pet.

Hiding the capsule inside a soft pill pocket or pill wrap treat makes administration easier for your pet.

Shop Pill Pockets for Dogs | Shop Pill Pockets for Cats

Additional Information

Precautions

• Always Use in Combination: Never use rifampin alone as bacteria rapidly build resistance to it when it is the only antibiotic being given.
• Rarely Used in Cats: Cats face a high risk of serious and potentially irreversible liver damage from rifampin and it is seldom prescribed for them.
• Avoid in Liver Disease: Do not use in animals with existing liver problems as rifampin is hepatotoxic and the damage it causes can be fatal.
• Not for Food Animals: Rifampin must never be given to any animal going into the human food supply due to its known carcinogenic potential.
• Wear Gloves When Handling: Rifampin permanently stains anything it touches red-orange; always wear gloves to protect skin and clothing during use.
• Intensive Liver Monitoring: Baseline and repeat liver tests during treatment are essential to catch hepatotoxicity early in every treated animal.
• Significant Drug Interaction: Rifampin speeds up how the liver breaks down other drugs, lowering their levels; tell the vet about every medication the pet takes.

Possible Side Effects

• Red-Orange Body Staining: Urine, tears, sweat, and saliva all turn red-orange during treatment; harmless to the pet but permanently stains fabric and surfaces.
• Vomiting Risk: Vomiting is the most commonly reported side effect in dogs and giving the medication with food may help reduce it.
• Liver Toxicity: Hepatotoxicity can be fatal; watch for jaundice, appetite loss, and vomiting and contact the vet right away if any appear.
• Drug Interaction Consequences: Other medications given alongside rifampin may lose effectiveness as the liver breaks them down faster than normal.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature Storage: Keep capsules in a sealed container at room temperature, well away from heat and moisture at all times.
• Protect From Light: Sunlight and damp spots can reduce potency over time, so keep capsules somewhere cool, dark, and dry.
• Keep Out of Reach: Put this medication somewhere children and untreated pets cannot get into it on their own.

Note: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What bacterial infections is rifampin used to treat in dogs and horses?

Ans: In dogs, rifampin treats resistant staphylococcal skin infections, plus mycobacterial, ehrlichial, bartonella, and chlamydial infections. In foals and horses it is a primary treatment for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia when paired with a macrolide antibiotic. The vet sets the right combination protocol for the specific infection.

Q2: Why must rifampin always be used in combination with another antibiotic?

Ans: Bacteria can mutate and build resistance to rifampin very quickly when it is the only antibiotic in use. Pairing it with a second drug from a different class forces bacteria to mutate in two separate ways at once, which is far less likely to happen. The vet always prescribes at least one other antibiotic alongside rifampin.

Q3: Why is rifampin rarely used in cats?

Ans: Cats are especially sensitive to liver damage from rifampin, and the damage can be serious and hard to reverse once it takes hold. Vets will usually look for safer alternatives when a susceptible infection needs treating in a cat. If rifampin is used, close liver monitoring throughout the full treatment course is essential.

Q4: What is the red-orange staining caused by rifampin and is it harmful?

Ans: Rifampin turns all body fluids including urine, tears, saliva, and sweat red-orange during treatment. This is a known and harmless effect, but it will permanently stain clothing, fabrics, and soft contact lenses. Always wear gloves when handling and giving the capsules to keep skin and clothing protected.

Q5: What monitoring is required for a dog receiving rifampin treatment?

Ans: Dogs need baseline liver bloodwork before starting and regular repeat tests during the full course of treatment. Dogs are more prone to rifampin-related liver damage than other species. The vet watches for vomiting, appetite loss, lethargy, and jaundice and will stop or adjust treatment if liver values become concerning.

Clinical Research:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03190251