Major adverse reactions to a short course of daily rifampicin

Hypersensitivity, dyspnoea and shock reactions to rifampicin in a 24-year-old man are described after a short course of daily treatment for tuberculous lymphadenitis. These combined reactions have not previously been reported after such a short course of therapy. Treatment with fluids, steroids, and antihistamines for the dyspnoea and shock reaction, and withdrawal of rifampicin led to complete recovery. The increased use of rifampicin in short courses may lead to more such reactions being observed.