Safety and efficacy of rifampicin in children with cholestatic pruritus.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The present study aimed at verifying the safety and efficacy of rifampicin in ameliorating pruritus in cholestatic children.

METHODS:

Twenty-three Egyptian children (14 boys and 9 girls), suffering from intractable pruritus of cholestasis, were included. Rifampicin was started at a dose of 10 mg/Kg/day in two divided doses and increased gradually to a maximum of 20 mg/Kg/day if there was no response. Liver function tests were followed up weekly.

RESULTS:

Seventeen patients (74%) showed improvement of pruritus with rifampicin. None of the patients showed any deterioration in liver functions.

CONCLUSION:

Rifampicin in a dose of 10-20 mg/Kg/day is safe and effective in ameliorating uncontrollable pruritus in children with persistent cholestasis.

• Authors: Hanaa El-Karaksy, Samah Mansour, Rokaya El-Sayed, Mona El-Raziky, Nehal El-Koofy, Gamal Taha
• Journal: Indian journal of pediatrics (Indian J Pediatr) Vol. 74 Issue 3 Pg. 279-81 (Mar 2007) ISSN: 0973-7693 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 17401268 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Rifampin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cholestasis (complications)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Pruritus (drug therapy, etiology)
• Rifampin (adverse effects, therapeutic use)