What is Mycobutin? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Mycobutin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Mycobutin

Generic Names:

  • Rifabutin

Uses:

  • Helps prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in patients with HIV.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antitubercular

Forms:

  • Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Mycobutin used for?

Mycobutin is an antibiotic that treats and prevents certain bacterial infections. It is used alone or with other medications prevent mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in people with HIV. Mycobutin is also used in the treatment of tuberculosis in people with HIV.

What form(s) does Mycobutin come in?

  • Capsule

What are common Mycobutin dosages?

  • Capsule 150MG

Mycobutin images - What does Mycobutin look like?

  • Mycobutin
    150mg capsule

How to take Mycobutin

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • You may take the medicine with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, you may want to take it with food.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • You may take the medicine with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, you may want to take it with food.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mycobutin

Mycobutin contraindications - Who shouldn't take Mycobutin?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rifabutin, rifampin, rifamycin, or rifapentine.

Mycobutin warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or eye or vision problems.

  • This medicine may cause your skin, tears, saliva, sweat, urine, or bowel movements to turn a brownish-orange color. Your contact lenses could become permanently discolored.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • This medicine should not be given to patients with active tuberculosis (TB). If you think you may have active TB, tell your doctor.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Mycobutin interactions & what to avoid when taking Mycobutin

  • There are many other drugs that can interact with rifabutin. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using, especially blood thinners (such as warfarin), medicine to treat an infection, or medicine to treat HIV.

  • This medicine may make birth control pills or patches less effective. Ask your doctor if you should change birth control or use 2 methods together.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • This medicine should not be given to patients with active tuberculosis (TB). If you think you may have active TB, tell your doctor.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Mycobutin side effects - How does Mycobutin make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea that may contain blood

  • Blurred vision or loss of vision, eye redness, pain, or sensitivity to light

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

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