GENERIC NAME: RIFAMPIN/ISONIAZID/PYRAZINAMIDE - ORAL (riff-AM-pin/eye-so-NYE-uh-zid/pir-uh-ZIN-uh-mide)
BRAND NAME(S): Rifater
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: This medication has caused severe, even fatal, liver problems (e.g., hepatitis). Liver problems increase with age and with daily use of alcohol. Hepatitis can develop with use of this drug at any time during treatment. Stop using this medication and notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or stomach or abdominal pain. Your doctor may decide to slowly restart isoniazid after these symptoms disappear and lab tests return to normal. People with active (acute) liver problems should not use this medication for preventative treatment until after the liver problems have stopped. Your doctor will monitor your liver function tests at least every month to discuss your progress.
USES: This medication is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after meals) with a full glass of water as directed. Take all this medication as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment. For best results, take this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep your blood level constant. Antacids may reduce the absorption of rifampin. Take this drug at least one hour before taking any antacids.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, sweating, coughing, dizziness, trouble sleeping, acne, drowsiness or flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, joint pain, changes in vision, confusion, memory trouble, fever, sore throat, chills. This medication may cause urine, saliva, tears and sweat to turn red-orange in color. Do not be alarmed. This will disappear when the medication is stopped. Soft contact lenses may be permanently discolored by this medication. 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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