Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Rifampin oral

Rifampin oral Drug Category RIFAMPIN - ORAL

Rifampin oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. RIFAMPIN - ORAL (riff-AM-pin) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Rifadin, Rimactane USES: This medication is used to prevent and treat tuberculosis or other infections. Use of only rifampin and pyrazinamide as a two-drug, two-month therapy to treat tuberculosis (specifically "latent" TB infection) is no longer recommended. Infrequently, serious (sometimes fatal) liver disease has occurred with the use of these two drugs alone. Several other effective alternative treatments can be used to treat latent tuberculosis (e.g., isoniazid for 9 months). Use of rifampin and pyrazinamide as part of a multi-drug (3 or more drugs) treatment plan for tuberculosis is still acceptable. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. HOW TO USE: This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals with a full glass of water. Take as directed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy early may result in ineffective treatment and the infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS: This drug may cause stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, headache, drowsiness or dizziness. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fever, chills, sore throat, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes or skin. May cause reddish-orange discoloration of urine, stools, sweat, saliva or tears. This is harmless. Soft contact lenses may become discolored. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history especially if you have: liver problems, history of alcohol use, any allergies. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of this medication and increase side effects. Limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication. Use caution operating machinery or participating in activities requiring alertness if this medication makes you feel drowsy or dizzy. This medication should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Rifampin is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, problems have not been reported in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug is not recommended for use with: delavirdine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: warfarin, oral medicines for diabetes, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), theophylline, halothane, verapamil, certain protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), disopyramide, beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), isoniazid, digitoxin, quinidine, mexiletine, phenytoin, cyclosporine, zidovudine and live vaccines. Also report drugs which cause drowsiness such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers, antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Discuss the use of other birth control methods with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include swelling of face or around eyes, itching over the entire body, orange or red discoloration of skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. NOTES: Laboratory tests will be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor its effects. Do not share this medication with others. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.