Profound Hypotension After Anesthetic Induction with Propofol in Patients Treated with Rifampin

Abstract

Rifampin is commonly used for the treatment of tuberculosis and staphylococcal infections, as well as for prevention of infection in cardiac valve and bone surgeries. We report a case of profound hypotension after anesthesia induction with propofol in a patient who was treated with two 600 mg doses of rifampin for prophylaxis of infection before surgery. In a retrospective case-control study of 75 patients, we confirmed this potentially serious drug-drug interaction. After rifampin, there was a significant and prolonged arterial blood pressure reduction when patients received propofol, but not thiopental.