Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Induced Lung Injury Model
07:24

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Induced Lung Injury Model

Published on: October 29, 2014

Pneumonitis induced by rifampicin: a case report and literature review

Yasuko Koma1, Keiko Goto, Chihiro Yoshida

  • 1Respiratory Center, Shinko Hospital, Japan. yasukok@shinkohp.or.jp

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|February 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Rifampicin-induced pneumonitis is a rare adverse reaction. This case highlights its occurrence in a patient on steroid therapy for tuberculosis, emphasizing careful drug monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Miliary tuberculosis (TB) requires multi-drug treatment, often including corticosteroids.
  • Rifampicin (RFP) is a key anti-TB medication.
  • Adverse drug reactions necessitate vigilant patient monitoring.

Observation:

  • An 84-year-old woman on TB treatment developed persistent fever and lung abnormalities (ground glass opacities) during corticosteroid tapering.
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed increased lymphocytes.
  • Symptoms improved upon discontinuing anti-TB drugs and increasing corticosteroids.

Findings:

  • Re-administration of rifampicin (RFP) triggered an inflammatory reaction.
  • Diagnosis of rifampicin-induced pneumonitis was confirmed.
  • This is the first reported case of RFP-induced pneumonitis during adjunct corticosteroid therapy.

Implications:

  • Rifampicin-induced pneumonitis is a rare but serious adverse effect.
  • Close monitoring for drug-induced lung injury is crucial in patients receiving TB treatment, especially with corticosteroids.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering drug-induced pneumonitis in persistent febrile illnesses during TB treatment.

More Related Videos

A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii09:17

A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii

Published on: January 2, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.