T36: Poisoning by systemic antibiotics

T36.6: Poisoning: Rifamycins

An antibiotic is a drug that acts against bacteria. Bacteria are pathogens. Drugs acting against bacteria are divided into different groups. The groups differ in how exactly they act, for example. The rifamycin group includes, for example, rifampicin and rifabutin.

A drug can cause poisoning if, for example, too much of it is taken. The drug may also be administered or taken by mistake.

Poisoning by an antibiotic in the rifamycin group can cause nausea or vomiting, for example. The face may swell up. The skin may change color, or urine may turn brownish. The antibiotic may also impair the liver function.