rifampin

[ ri-fam-pin ]
/ rɪˈfæm pɪn /

noun Pharmacology.

a semisynthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic, C43H58N4O12, used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, asymptomatic carriers of meningococcal disease, and leprosy.

Origin of rifampin

1965–70; probably rifam(yci)n (orig., rifomycin, equivalent to rifo- (perhaps < Italian rifo(rmare) to reform) + -mycin) + pi(perazine)

Medical definitions for rifampin

rifampin
[ rĭ-fămpĭn ]

n.

A semisynthetic antibiotic, derived from a form of rifamycin, that interferes with the synthesis of RNA and is used to treat bacterial and viral diseases.