Rifampicin as treatment for pruritus in malignant cholestasis.

The efficacy and safety of using rifampicin to treat the pruritus associated with malignant cholestasis was evaluated. The outcomes of eight patients who received 150 mg rifampicin twice daily were reviewed. All responded, with six having complete resolution of the itch. Two patients were able to discontinue rifampicin following resolution of their cholestatic jaundice by surgery and chemotherapy respectively. No side effects were reported. Rifampicin is a safe effective treatment for the pruritus associated with cholestasis secondary to cancer.