RIFAMPIN-INDUCED NONRESPONSIVENESS OF GIANT-CELL ARTERITIS TO PREDNISONE TREATMENT

Rifampin is an enzymatic inducer known to increase steroid metabolism. We studied two patients with giant cell arteritis in whom rifampin ca used nonresponsiveness to prednisone treatment. A prednisolone pharmac okinetics study was done. When rifampin-prednisone treatment must be u sed in giant cell arteritis, we propose increasing the prednisone dosa ge to 2 mg/kg per day.