Question #ea525
1 Answer
Apr 28, 2017
Substitution of the methyl group of rifampicin with a cyclopentyl group produces a drug that requires less frequent doses.
Explanation:
Rifampicin is used to treat bacterial infections such as tuberculosis, leprosy, and Legionnaire's disease.
It is a macrocyclic antibiotic with the structure
Replacement of the methyl group on the piperazine ring with a cyclopentyl group gives rifapentine.
The two drugs are similar in action and have the same effectiveness, but rifapentine has a longer half-life, that is, it stays in the body longer.
Thus, you might have to take rifampicin daily but rifapentine only once or twice a week.
