Rifadin

rifampin

Brand(s):

• Rcin

Manufacturer:

• Lupin Limited

Disease(s):

• Tuberculosis

Rifampin Capsules

What is Rifampin?

Rifampin is a powerful antibiotic that tackles bacteria head-on, preventing it from spreading throughout your body. It's a go-to medication for treating or preventing tuberculosis (TB). Additionally, rifampin can help reduce specific bacteria in your nose and throat that might lead to meningitis or other infections. While it stops you from spreading these bacteria, it won't cure an active meningitis infection.

Rifampin might also be used for conditions not listed here. Always consult your doctor.

Important Information for Your Doctor

Before starting rifampin, it's crucial to let your healthcare provider know about certain factors. You shouldn't use rifampin if you're allergic to it or if you're taking saquinavir with ritonavir. Some medications can interact negatively with rifampin and shouldn't be taken concurrently. Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of some HIV or AIDS medications or increase resistance to antiviral medications. Your doctor might need to adjust your treatment plan if you are taking:

• Atazanavir

• Darunavir

• Fosamprenavir

• Saquinavir

• Tipranavir

To ensure your safety, inform your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes

• Liver disease

• Porphyria (a genetic disorder affecting the skin or nervous system)

The FDA categorizes rifampin as pregnancy category C. While the potential harm to an unborn baby isn't fully known, taking it in late pregnancy might cause bleeding in the mother or newborn. Discuss this with your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Rifampin can also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills; consider using non-hormonal methods (condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while on rifampin. Because it can pass into breast milk, breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment.

How to Use Rifampin

Rifampin is usually taken daily. Always adhere to your doctor's instructions precisely. Don't alter the dosage or duration without consulting your doctor. Take it with a full glass of water, ideally an hour before or two hours after a meal for optimal absorption.

A common, generally harmless side effect is the reddish-brown discoloration of body fluids (sweat, urine, saliva, and tears). However, this can permanently stain soft contact lenses, so avoid wearing them while on rifampin. Dark urine can sometimes indicate liver problems. If you notice reddish-brown urine alongside upper stomach pain, appetite loss, and jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), contact your doctor immediately.

Complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed. Symptoms might improve before the infection is fully eradicated; prematurely stopping treatment increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections. Rifampin is ineffective against viral infections like the flu or common cold. Regular blood tests might be necessary while taking rifampin. Inform your surgeon if you need surgery, as you might need to temporarily stop taking the medication. **Never stop taking rifampin without your doctor's consent.** Sudden cessation and restarting can cause kidney problems. Treatment usually continues until tests confirm the infection is cleared. Be aware that rifampin can affect the results of certain medical tests, so always inform your doctor about its use.

Missed Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Don't double up on doses.

Potential Drug Interactions

Rifampin interacts with numerous medications. This isn't an exhaustive list, so inform your doctor about all medications you're taking, including those started or stopped during treatment, especially:

• Sulfasalazine

• Theophylline

• Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

• Levothyroxine or other thyroid medications

• Certain antibiotics (chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin)

• Antifungal medications (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like clofibrate)

• Blood clot medications (apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, ticagrelor, warfarin)

• Medications for depression or mental illness (amitriptyline, haloperidol, lurasidone, nortriptyline)

• HIV/AIDS medications (like zidovudine)

• Heart or blood pressure medications (digoxin, diltiazem, disopyramide, enalapril, metoprolol, mexiletine, nifedipine, nimodipine, quinidine, ranolazine, tocainide, verapamil)

• Organ transplant rejection medications (cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus)

• Malaria medications (artemether-lumefantrine, atovaquone, praziquantel, quinine)

• Narcotic medications (morphine, methadone)

• Oral diabetes medications (glimepiride, glipizide, tolbutamide)

• Sedatives (diazepam, midazolam)

• Seizure medications (phenytoin, phenobarbital, lamotrigine)

• Steroid medications (prednisone, and others)

**This is not a complete list. Many other drugs can interact with rifampin.** Provide a comprehensive list of your medications to any healthcare provider.

Possible Side Effects

Seek immediate medical help for any signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, headache, dizziness)

• Easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)

• Watery or bloody diarrhea

• Reduced or absent urination

• Liver problems (upper stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice)

• Severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, facial or tongue swelling, burning eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple rash spreading, especially on the face or upper body, causing blistering and peeling)

Common side effects can include:

• Heartburn, gas, upset stomach, loss of appetite

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps

• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue

• Muscle weakness, arm or leg pain

• Vision problems

• Flushing (warmth, redness, tingling)

• Confusion, behavioral changes, difficulty concentrating

This isn't an exhaustive list of side effects.

Precautions While Using Rifampin

Avoid alcohol. Refrain from wearing contact lenses during treatment as rifampin can discolor tears, potentially staining soft lenses permanently.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed.