RIFAMPICIN

Rifampicin is an antibiotic that treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

This medication is used to prevent and treat tuberculosis and other infections.

Unmanaged or overuse of this drug or any antibiotic can decrease its effect. Rifampin may rarely cause serious liver disease.

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped.

Common side effects of this drug may include:

  • Upset Stomach
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Menstrual Changes
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness or Dizziness

Inform your doctor promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Reddish Coloration of Urine, Sweat, Saliva, or Tears
  • Soft Contact Lenses may be Permanently Stained

Tell your doctor right away if you experienced any other symptoms while or after using this drug.

Precautions

Before taking rifampin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

  • You are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
  • You have medical history, especially of:
    • Diabetes
    • Liver Problems (e.g., Hepatitis)
    • HIV Infection
    • History of Alcohol Use/Abuse
  • You are to undergo an immunization or vaccinations.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

 

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Tell your doctor all the products you use including prescription and nonprescription drugs and herbal products.

Rifampin may decrease the effect of the following drug to your body:

  • Aprepitant
  • Digoxin

  • Ranolazine

  • Sulfasalazine

  • Tacrolimus

  • Theophylline

  • Certain Anti-Infectives (including Chloramphenicol, Clarithromycin, Dapsone, Doxycycline, Linezolid, Telithromycin, Zidovudine, Quinolones such as ciprofloxacin)
  • Antiarrhythmics (such as Disopyramide, Mexiletine, Quinidine)
  • Certain Antimalarial Drugs (such as Atovaquone, Quinine)
  • Anti-Seizure Drugs (such as Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Lamotrigine)
  • Azole Antifungals (such as Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
  • Benzodiazepines (such as Midazolam)
  • Blood Thinners (such as Warfarin)
  • Calcium Channel Blockers (such as Diltiazem, Nimodipine, Verapamil)
  • Certain Anti-Cancer Drugs (such as Imatinib, Irinotecan)
  • Certain Oral Drugs for Diabetes (such as Repaglinide)
  • Certain Hormone Replacement Drugs (including Estrogens such as Conjugated Estrogen, Progestins such as Medroxyprogesterone)
  • Certain Drugs for Mental/Mood Disorders (including Clozapine, Haloperidol, Tricyclic Antidepressants such as Amitriptyline)
  • Narcotic Pain Relievers (such as Methadone)
  • HIV NNRTIs (such as Delavirdine, Etravirine, Nevirapine)
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors (such as Atazanavir, Ritonavir, Saquinavir)
  • Certain Drugs for Sleep (such as Ramelteon, Eszopiclone, Zopiclone)
  • Hormonal Birth Control such as Pills, Patch, or Ring.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests and may cause false test results:

  • Urine Screening for Opiates
  • Blood Serum Folate/Vitamin B12
  • Gallbladder Test

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • Swelling Face or Eyes
  • Whole-Body Itching
  • Orange/Red Discoloration of Skin or Eyes
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Stomach or Abdominal Pain
  • Increasing Tiredness
  • Fainting

 

Available brand/s:

  • 4D
  • Bifix
  • Biogenerics Rifampicin
  • CombiPack
  • Crisarfam DS

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