Rifampin for Dogs

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.  

What Is Rifampin Used for in Dogs?

Rifampin is a prescription antibiotic medication used in dogs to help treat complicated skin infections involving specific strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). 

Rifampin is available in oral form under the brand name Rifadin and as generic rifampin. 

Prior to prescribing rifampin for your dog, your vet may refer you to a board-certified veterinary specialist for an expert consultation. A skin bacterial culture and sensitivity test is a necessary step to determine whether the bacteria involved in your dog’s infection is susceptible to rifampin. 

To help reduce the chance of the bacteria developing resistance to rifampin, it is used in combination with other antibiotics. 

Your vet will determine the appropriate dosage and the most effective treatment regimen, which may include a combination of antibiotics and supportive care skin treatments to resolve your dog’s infection. Such treatments may include: 

• Medicated shampoo therapy, like Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Shampoo 

• Antibacterial spray, like Davis Chlorhexidine Spray 

• Medicated mousse, like Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Chlorhexidine Mousse 

Is Rifampin FDA-Approved? 

Rifampin is currently not FDA-approved for use in dogs. 

However, it is readily utilized in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs for use in animals in certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use is not described on the drug label. 

Speak with your veterinarian about whether rifampin is right for your dog.  

Compounded Rifampin 

In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of rifampin. 

Compounded medications are prescribed, for example, if:   

• There’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form  

• The dosage strength is not commercially available  

• The pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication  

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are formulated by your veterinarian and dispensed either by a licensed pharmacist or veterinarian on an individual basis to best suit a patient’s particular needs. 

Rifampin Considerations for Dogs

Rifampin should not be used in dogs with certain medical conditions such as liver disease or in dogs who are hypersensitive to it.  

It’s important to discuss your dog’s medical history and medications with your veterinarian. 

Studies have not been performed at the time of this publication to determine the safety and effectiveness of rifampin in dogs. 

How Rifampin Works in Dogs

Rifampin is classified as a rifamycin antibiotic. Rifampin works by interrupting the crucial formation of RNA—the genetic code required for bacteria to replicate and grow—which causes the bacteria to die.  

How To Give Rifampin to Dogs

• Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian. 

• Rifampin is best absorbed on an empty stomach. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, giving the medication with a small amount of food may help, but this can decrease the amount of rifampin absorbed and delay the time needed to become effective. 

Missed a Dose? 

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of rifampin. 

Generally, your vet may instruct you to give it when you remember or, if it’s almost time for your dog’s next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule.  

Do not give extra or double doses. 

Possible Side Effects of Rifampin in Dogs

A 2013 study demonstrated that 16% of dogs who took rifampin developed side effects, which included: 

• Elevated liver level 

• Vomiting 

• Anorexia 

• Low energy (lethargy) 

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog has vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, or any other symptoms of illness. 

While taking rifampin, your dog’s urine may appear red or orange, which is a harmless change due to the drug’s color. 

Human Side Effects 

Rifampin is also a prescription medication for humans and frequently has dosages different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian. 

Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use. 

If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, seek medical attention in person or call Poison Control at 800-222-1222. 

Monitoring Your Pet 

Treatment with rifampin in dogs requires monitoring and close supervision by your veterinarian. Before and during your dog’s treatment, your vet will perform blood tests to evaluate the effects of the medication on the liver. 

When To Call Your Vet 

Call your veterinarian if you see any of the following, or if you have additional questions or concerns about the use of rifampin: 

• Severe side effects (above) 

• Your dog’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment 

• You see or suspect an overdose 

Rifampin Overdose Concerns in Dogs

Overdoses of rifampin can be serious and may cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity). 

Signs of an overdose may include:  

• Lethargy 

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea 

• Loss of appetite 

• Yellow discoloration of the skin, eyes, and body fluids (jaundice) 

If you suspect an overdose, immediately seek emergency veterinary care or contact an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply. 

• Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661  

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435  

How To Store Rifampin for Dogs

Keep the following storage tips in mind for this medication: 

• Always confirm storage requirements by reading the prescription label. 

• Rifampin should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 77 F (25 C). Brief temperature exposures from 59–86 F (15–30 C) are permitted. 

• Keep the container tightly closed to protect this medication from moisture and light. 

• Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label. 

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.