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.