Key takeaways
Rifampin (Rifadin) and Rifabutin (Mycobutin) are both rifamycin antibiotics, but they are used for different purposes. Rifampin (Rifadin) is primarily used to treat active and latent tuberculosis (TB) and to prevent the spread of meningococcal infections in carriers. It can be taken orally or intravenously and is often combined with other TB medications. Rifabutin (Mycobutin), on the other hand, is used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in people with advanced HIV. It is taken orally, usually once daily. Rifampin (Rifadin) can cause liver injury and interacts with many medications, while Rifabutin (Mycobutin) has fewer severe interactions with HIV medications but can still interact with many drugs. Both medications can change the color of your body fluids and teeth, and both are available as a lower-cost generic.
