Rifampin



Rifadin®







Rifampin

(RIF am pin)

U.S. Brand Names
Rifadin®
Canadian Brand Names
Rifadin®; Rofact™
Mexican Brand Names
Pestarin®; Rifadin®; Rimactan®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Miscellaneous; Antitubercular Agent
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to rifampin or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have liver disease.
  • If you are taking amprenavir, atazanavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
  • This medicine is used to treat tuberculosis and prevent the spread of tuberculosis in those who are carriers of the bacteria but are not ill with the disease.
How does it work?
  • Rifampin works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • All forms:
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have porphyria, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Alcohol can worsen liver disease.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Change in color of body fluids to orange.
  • Discoloration of contact lenses. Do not wear while taking this medicine.
  • Belly pain.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Not hungry.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: