THE USEFULNESS OF THE DESENSITIZATION TO RIFAMPIN IN THE TREATMENT OFMYCOBACTERIAL DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH AIDS

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity reactions to rifampin are relatively unco mmon, but they may result in cessation of therapeutic medications. PAT IENTS AND METHODS: We report our experience with oral desensitization protocol to rifampin in a group of 35 HIV-positive patients with micob acterial disease who had some hypersensitivity reaction to this drug. RESULTS: Adverse reactions with this protocol were few and easily trea ted. CONCLUSIONS: Oral desensitization to rifampin is safe and effecti ve, allowing some of these patients (60%) to reintroduce the drug and to reduce the time of treatment.