A CLINICAL EXPERIENCE OF RIFAMPICIN SUPPOSITORY FOR THE TREATMENT OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

The usefulness of a rifampicin (RFP) suppository for treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis was examined in patients who had difficulty with oral consumption of medication. Among inpatients receiving first-time treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis susceptible to both isoniazid (INH) and RFP, and who underwent standard 3- or 4-drug treatments including INH and RFP, we compared the number of days required for obtaining two and three consecutive negative sputum smears and cultures, respectively, in patients who received hospital-made suppositories or standard oral RFP administration. There was no significant difference between groups in the number of days required for negative cultures and smears; although the times were equivalent, there were more number of elderly patients and those in generally poor condition in the RFP suppository group than the oral intake group. RFP suppositories may be one method for administration of standard tuberculosis treatment in patients with difficulty in oral consumption of medication.