Type of medicine: antibacterial; antitubercular
Generic and brand names: rifampin, oral; rifampin, injection; Rifadin; Rifadin IV
This medicine is used with one or more other medicines to treat tuberculosis. It is also used alone to get rid of meningitis bacteria in people who carry the bacteria but do not get sick. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
This medicine will not cure viral infections, such a colds.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. This medicine may interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, implants, shots, patches, or vaginal rings. Ask your healthcare provider about other methods of birth control. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The injection form of this medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) by your healthcare provider, usually when you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. If you are taking antacids take them 2 hours before doses of this medicine.
If the capsules are difficult to swallow, you may open them and mix the contents with soft food.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider for the length of time prescribed, even if you feel better. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Do not use this medicine for any other infection unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are taking more than one medicine for tuberculosis, take them at different times.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: fainting, fast irregular heartbeat, headache, itching, nausea, stomach pain, tiredness, vomiting, weakness, and yellowing of the skin or eyes
This medicine will make your urine, stool, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears a reddish-orange color. This is not harmful.
You need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, implants, shots, patches, or vaginal rings. Use another form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Using this medicine may cause soft contact lenses to become permanently discolored. Wear hard lenses or eyeglasses during treatment.
Do not take any other prescription or nonprescription medicines without your healthcare provider's approval while you are taking this medicine.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Dizziness; chills; fever; headache; confusion; muscle pain; pain or swelling in your joints; extreme tiredness or weakness; nausea; vomiting; severe, watery, or bloody diarrhea; loss of appetite; yellowish skin or eyes; sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; severe skin rash; tingling, pain, or numbness in hands or feet; dark urine; light-colored bowel movements, vision changes.
Other: Diarrhea; stomach cramps; heartburn; red or orange colored sweat, tears, saliva, or urine.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicines, including:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
