Rifampin vs Rifampicin: Know the difference

People often think these two molecules are different molecules. But they are the same molecule as explained below.

• Rifampin is USAN: United States Accepted Nomenclature
• Rifampicin is INN: International non-proprietary name

List of drugs with different INN and USAN

• Glibenclamide: glyburide
• Isoprenaline: isoproterenol
• Moricizine: moricizine
• Orciprenaline: metaproterenol
• Paracetamol: acetaminophen
• Pethidine: meperidine
• Rifampicin: rifampin
• Salbutamol: albuterol
• Torasemide: torsemide
• Retigabine: ezogabin

P-gp inhibitors and its clinical significance

P-gp inhibitors

• Amiodarone
• Verapamil
• Itraconazole
• Cyclosporine
• Erythromycin
• Quinidine

Knowledge of P-gp inhibitors is essential to avoid interactions when they are combined with P-gp substrates. Increase in digoxin levels in CNS and subsequent increase in CNS side effects is well documented when used in combination with a P-gp inhibitor.

Pgp substrates:

• Protease inhibitors
• Digoxin
• Colchicine
• Fexofenadine
• Cyclosporine