Rifampin and rifapentine belong to the same class of anti-tuberculosis drugs, and the effects of both drugs are basically the same. Rifapentine is a long-acting preparation, used twice a week, with fewer gastrointestinal reactions and less chance of liver damage than rifampin. Rifampin is generally preferred for anti-tuberculosis treatment. If liver damage or serious gastrointestinal reactions occur with rifampin, rifapentine can be used instead, but rifapentine cannot be used for patients with tuberculous meningitis because it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier and cannot exert antibacterial effects in the cerebrospinal fluid.