Use of rifampicin in pregnancy

Source: UK Teratology Information ServiceArea: Evidence > Drugs in Pregnancy SUMMARY: Rifampicin is an antibacterial drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis, leprosy, brucellosis, Legionnaire's disease and serious staphylococcal infections.  Rifampicin is also used as prophylaxis against meningococcal meningitis.   Animal studies have demonstrated teratogenicity after exposure to rifampicin during pregnancy.  There is currently very little published data available concerning fetal risks following human exposure to rifampicin during the first trimester of pregnancy, but those few published so far do not indicate an increase in risk of congenital malformations.  There have been reports of low birth weight in exposed infants, however this is likely due to the unde...

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