GENERIC NAME: RIFAMPIN - ORAL (riff-AM-pin)
BRAND NAME(S): Rifadin, Rimactane
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
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.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Tuberculosis - Read about tuberculosis (TB) treatment, diagnosis (skin test), transmission, cause (Mycobacterium) and symptoms. TB infection is a contagious disease that's easily spread.
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