The bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase is inhibited by rifampicin but this drug has little effect on eukaryotic cells. It is active against the mitochondrial RNA polymerase but its penetration into mitochondria is so poor that it displays very little activity in intact eukaryotic cells. The action of rifampicin prevents production of messenger RNA and thus ultimately stops protein synthesis. Clinically, rifampicin is used in treating tuberculosis and for prophylaxis against meningococcal meningitis. In such cases, it is offered to close contacts of people with the disease. The synthetic antibacterial nitrofuran compounds also act by preventing messenger RNA production.
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Chemical structure of rifampicin
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Chemical structure of nitrofurantoin
