Long-term intravenous rifampicin treatment. Advantages and disadvantages

A 28-year-old woman suffering from diabetes, malabsorption and pulmonary tuberculosis was treated successfully with ethambutol and rifampicin intravenously for 4 months. The drugs were given through a catheter placed in the upper caval vein. One month after the treatment was started the sputum cultures became negative. During oral therapy the patient suffered from characteristic "flu" syndrome which surprisingly disappeared during the intravenous treatment. The possible causes are discussed. Allergic reactions to rifampicin appeared among the staff. The results of the allergological examinations are mentioned and directions for handling rifampicin powder are suggested.