Rifampicin is a semisynthetic antibiotic derived from Amycolatopsis rifamycinica (previously known as Amycolatopsis mediterranei and Streptomyces mediterranei). It belongs to the rifamycin class and acts as an RNA polymerase inhibitor (EC 2.7.7.6), DNA synthesis inhibitor, antitubercular agent, leprostatic drug, Escherichia coli metabolite, protein synthesis inhibitor, neuroprotective agent, angiogenesis inhibitor, pregnane X receptor agonist, antineoplastic agent, antiamoebic agent, and geroprotector. It is a N-iminopiperazine, N-methylpiperazine, hydrazone, cyclic ketal, semisynthetic derivative, and tautomer of a rifampicin zwitterion.
