The Safety and Effectiveness of Rifabutin, Combined With Clarithromycin or Azithromycin, in HIV-Infected Patients

Two new macrolide antibiotics, clarithromycin and azithromycin, and rifabutin (a rifamycin derivative) have all demonstrated in vitro and in vivo activity against Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, a common systemic bacterial infection complicating AIDS. Further information is needed, however, regarding the clinical and pharmacokinetic interaction of these drugs used in combination. AMENDED 03/10/94 (Part B): Approximately 38 HIV-infected or uninfected subjects are randomized to receive azithromycin or rifabutin (Groups 3 and 4) daily for 14 days, followed by a combination regimen of both drugs for 4 additional weeks. Patients are followed weekly. Pharmacokinetic sampling will be performed on days 14, 15, and 42-45. ORIGINAL: Sixty-eight patients are randomly assigned to one of four groups (17 patients per group). They receive either clarithromycin or azithromycin in combination with rifabutin on one of two different dosing schedules. Patients receive medication for 6 weeks and undergo follow-up weekly during drug administration and at week 8.