Safety and efficacy of rifampicin in children with cholestatic pruritus

Objective. The present study aimed at verifying the safety and efficacy of rifampicin in ameliorating pruritus in cholestatic children. Methods. Twenty-three Egyptian children ( 14 boys and 9 girls), suffering from intractable pruritus of cholestasis, were included. Rifampicin was started at a dose of 10 mg/Kg/day in two divided doses and increased gradually to a maximum of 20 mg/Kg/ day if there was no response. Liver function tests were followed up weekly. Results. Seventeen patients (74%) showed improvement of pruritus with rifampicin. None of the patients showed any deterioration in liver functions. Conclusion. Rifampicin in a dose of 10-20 mg/ Kg/day is safe and effective in ameliorating uncontrollable pruritus in children with persistent cholestasis.