[Clinical and experimental rifampicin passage through the hemato-encephalic barrier and its effectiveness in treating meningococcal infections].

Satisfactory permeability of rifampicin through the hematoencephalic barrier was shown in experimental rabbit meningococcal meningitis and in treatment of patients with meningococcal meningitis. The antibiotic level and retention time in the liquor depended on the drug dose and acidity of gastric juice. The dose of 10 mg/kg bw administered at 8--10-hour intervals was the most optimal. The high therapeutic efficacy of rifampicin in treatment of patients with the generalized forms of meningococcal meningitis enables its recommendation for the use as a reserve drug. Rifampicin may be used alone when penicillin is intolerable or ineffective. It also may be used for additional treatment of the patients after penicillin therapy. Rifampicin in combination with penicillin may be used in treatment of purulent meningitis and meningoencephalitis of a dubious etiology.