Clinician's Pocket Drug Reference 2008

Rifaximin 181each dose (ECC 2005) Caution: [C, ?/–] Contra: Internal bleeding, spinalsurgery/trauma, Hx CNS AVM, uncontrolled ↓ BP, sensitivity to thrombolyticsDisp: Inj 10.8 units/2 mL SE: Bleeding, allergic rxnsRibavirin (Virazole, Copegus) WARNING: Monotherapy for chronicHep C ineffective; hemolytic anemia possible, teratogenic and embryocidalUses: *RSV Infxn in infants [Virazole]; Hep C (in combo w/ interferon alfa-2b[Copegus])* Action: Unknown Dose: RSV: 6 g in 300 mL sterile H 2 O, inhale over12–18 h. Hep C: 600 mg PO bid in combo w/ interferon alfa-2b (see Rebetron)Caution: [X, ?] May accumulate on soft contact lenses Contra: PRG, autoimmunehepatitis, CrCl < 50 mL/min Disp: Powder for aerosol 6 g; tabs 200, 400,600 mg, caps 200 mg, soln 40 mg/mL, SE: Fatigue, HA, GI upset, anemia, myalgia,alopecia, bronchospasm Notes: Virazole aerosolized by a SPAG; monitorHbg/Hct; PRG test monthlyRifabutin (Mycobutin) Uses: *Prevent M. avium complex Infxn in AIDSpts w/ CD4 count < 100* Action: ↓ DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activityDose: Adults. 150–300 mg/d PO. Peds. 1 y: 15–25 mg/kg/d PO. 2–10 y: 4.4–18.8mg/kg/d PO. 14–16 y: 2.8–5.4 mg/kg/d PO Caution: [B; ?/–] WBC 12 y* Action: Not absorbed, derivative of rifamycin. Spectrum:E. coli Dose: 1 tab PO daily × 3 d Caution: [C, ?/–] Hx allergy ;pseudomembranous colitis Contra: Allergy to rifamycins Disp: Tabs 200 mg SE:Flatulence, HA, abd pain, GI distress, fever Notes: D/C if Sx worsen or persist >24–48 h, or w/ fever or blood in stool