Rifampin for PBC

Overview
Rifampin is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat itching associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Rifampin is sold under the brand names Rifadin and Rimactane.

Rifampin is a member of a class of drugs called antibiotics. Rifampin is believed to work by blocking the brain’s response to chemicals in the blood that cause itching. Rifampin does not treat or slow the condition PBC itself.

How do I take it?
Rifampin comes as a capsule taken orally. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose for you.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for rifampin lists common side effects, which may include itching, flushing, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, difficulty concentrating, confusion, changes in behavior, muscle weakness, numbness, pain (in the arms, hands, feet, or legs), heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain or discomfort, abnormal liver function test results, changes in taste perception, painful or irregular menstrual periods, and vision changes.

Rare but serious side effects include rash with fever or blisters (with or without peeling skin), swollen lymph nodes, malaise, vomiting, darkened urine, yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, light-colored bowel movements, fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, or pain or swelling of the joints.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Primary Biliary Cholangitis — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

Rifampin — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682403.html