Anterior uveitis associated with rifabutin medication in AIDS patients.

Eight episodes of rifabutin-associated anterior uveitis in AIDS patients are reported. Uveitis developed after two weeks to nine months of medication, commonly when rifabutin was administered along with clarithromycin and/or fluconazole. Recovery was closely correlated to suspending rifabutin early, while less dependent on total rifabutin dose or epidemiological patient characteristics. In two cases, discontinuation of rifabutin alone relieved ocular inflammation. Repeated exposure to rifabutin was successful with a reduced dosage in three patients.