HealthAugust 26, 2026
rifampin
RIF-am-pin
Definition
A primary antibiotic medication used to treat tuberculosis and certain other bacterial infections.
Etymology
The name is derived from rifamycin, a group of antibiotics produced by the bacterium Amycolatopsis rifamycinica, with the suffix reflecting its chemical classification.
In the news
Rifampin is highlighted as a cornerstone treatment for tuberculosis, but its effectiveness is threatened by the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria that mutate during the transmission process.
Tuberculosis Transmission May Hold Key to Prevention
Read the full article ↗WCM Newsroom