Effect of food on bioavailability of rifampicin

The area under the plasma concentration-time curve of rifampicin was determined with and without food administration in six healthy male volunteers. Rifampicin (10 mg/kg) was administered orally in the fasting state on one occasion and following a wheat-based breakfast on another. Administration of rifampicin with food reduced mean peak plasma concentration and prolonged the time to reach peak concentration (2 versus 4 hours). Total area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 8 hours and the rate of absorption were also significantly reduced when rifampicin was administered with food.