RIFAMPIN

Brand & Generic Names

Rifadin
Rifamate
Rifampicin
Rimactane
Rofact

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antibiotic (rifamycin)

Uses

Treatment for tuberculosis and other infections. Requires daily use for 1 to 2 years.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Capsule--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, open capsule and take with liquid or small amount of food. For child, mix with small amount of applesauce or jelly.

When to take:
1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Prevents multiplication of tuberculosis germs.

Time lapse before drug works:
Usually 2 weeks. May require 1 to 2 years without missed doses for maximum benefit.

Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Slow, shallow breathing; weak, rapid pulse; cold, sweaty skin; coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Diarrhea; reddish urine, stool, saliva, sweat and tears.

Infrequent:

• Rash; flushed, itchy skin of face and scalp; blurred vision; difficult breathing; nausea, vomiting; abdominal cramps.
• Dizziness, unsteady gait, confusion, muscle or bone pain, heartburn, flatulence, chills.
• Headache, fever.

Rare:

• Sore throat, mouth or tongue; jaundice.
• Appetite loss, less urination.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to rifampin.
• You wear soft contact lenses.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you are alcoholic or have liver disease.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
No proven problems. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.

Prolonged use:

• You may become more susceptible to infections caused by germs not responsive to rifampin.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check liver function.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.

Others:
Reddish tears may discolor soft contact lenses.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anticoagulants*,	Decreased anticoagulant effect.
Antidiabetics*,	Decreased antidiabetic effect.
Barbiturates*	Decreased barbiturate effect.
Chloramphenicol	Decreased effect of both drugs.
Clozapine	Toxic effect on bone marrow.
Contraceptives*,	Decreased contraceptive
oral	effect.
Cortisone drugs*	Decreased effect of cortisone
	drugs.
Cyclosporine	Decreased effect of both drugs.
Dapsone	Decreased dapsone effect.
Digitoxin	Decreased digitoxin effect.
Disopyramide	Decreased disopyramide effect.
Estrogens* (including	Decreased effect of both drugs.
Flecainide	Possible decreased blood cell
	production in bone marrow.
Isoniazid	Possible toxicity to liver.
Itraconazole	Decreased itraconazole effect.
Ketoconazole	Decreased ketoconazole effect.
Methadone	Decreased methadone effect.
Mexiletine	Decreased mexiletine effect.
Nicardipine	Decreased nicardipine effect.
Nimodipine	Decreased nimodipine effect.
Para-aminosalicylic	Decreased rifampin
acid	effect.
Phenytoin	Decreased phenytoin effect.
Probenecid	Possible toxicity to liver.
Quinidine	Decreased effect of both drugs.
Theophyllines*	Decreased theophylline effect.
Tiopronin	Increased risk of toxicity to bone
	marrow and kidneys.
Tocainide	Possible decreased blood cell
	production in bone marrow.
Tolbutamide	Decreased tolbutamide effect.
Trimethoprim	Decreased trimethoprim effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Possible toxicity to liver.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	No proven problems.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	No proven problems.
Tobacco:	None expected.