[Biotransformation of rifampicin in pulmonary tuberculosis patients].

Biotransformation of rifampicin in 39 tuberculosis patients treated with the drug was studied. The studies showed that biotransformation of rifampicin was most intensive during the first 3--6 hours after its use, which was confirmed by excretion of maximum amounts of rifampicin and its metabolites with the urine. 2--4 weeks after the beginning of the treatment with rifampicin excretion of its metabolism products decreased. When rifampicin was used simultaneously in a single dose with tubazid excretion of rifampicin transformation product and desacetylation of the antibiotic slowed down.