Rifabutin is a semisynthetic ansamycin antibiotic that exhibits potent antimycobacterial properties by inhibiting DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It is primarily used as a bactericidal agent for treating tuberculosis and is effective against a range of resistant mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. leprae, and M. avium intracellulare. It also acts as an antibiotic and antitumor agent, influencing HSP-90 molecular chaperone and inactivating bacterial RNA polymerase.
- Semisynthetic ansamycin antibiotic
- Inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase
- Bactericidal against resistant mycobacteria
- Effective against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria
- Treats tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections
- Acts as an antitumor agent
- Modulates HSP-90 molecular chaperone
- Inactivates bacterial RNA polymerase