Rifampin

Rifampin is an antibiotic that treats or prevents tuberculosis (TB).

Rifampin may also help reduce certain bacteria in your nose and throat that can lead to meningitis or other infections. Rifampin stops you from spreading these bacteria to others, but rifampin does not treat an active meningitis infection.

Rifampin may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any that you start or stop. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

You should not use rifampin if you are allergic to rifampin or similar medicines like rifabutin, rifapentine, rifamycin, or rifaximin.

Many drugs can interact and cause serious effects. Some drugs should not be taken with rifampin. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan if you are also using: atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, praziquantel, ritonavir, saquinavir, or tipranavir.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes;
• liver disease;
• bleeding problems; or
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that affects the skin or nervous system).

It is not known if this medicine can harm an unborn baby. However, using rifampin during the last few weeks of pregnancy may cause bleeding in the mother or the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Rifampin can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using rifampin, use a barrier method of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, rash, feeling light-headed, wheezing, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or throat. Also seek help if you have a severe skin reaction, which may include fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, or a red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Seek medical treatment if you experience a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Rifampin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• chest pain, cough, shortness of breath;
• feeling light-headed, as if you might pass out;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums);
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• flu symptoms including fever, chills, body aches, headache, weakness, nausea, or vomiting; or
• liver problems such as upper stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of rifampin may include:

• red discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva, and tears;
• heartburn, gas, upset stomach, or loss of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• fever;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness;
• muscle weakness or pain in your arms or legs;
• issues with balance or muscle movement;
• numbness; or
• confusion, changes in behavior, or trouble concentrating.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Rifampin oral is taken by mouth. Rifampin injection is given as an infusion into a vein.

Take rifampin oral on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

A healthcare provider will give you rifampin injection. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when rifampin is injected.

Rifampin may cause temporary discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva, and tears (a yellow, orange, red, or brown color). This side effect is usually not harmful. However, soft contact lenses may be permanently stained if you wear them while using rifampin.

Dark colored urine can be a sign of liver problems. Call your doctor if you have reddish-brown urine together with upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Rifampin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

You should not stop using rifampin without your doctor's advice. Stopping the medicine suddenly and later starting again may cause kidney problems. Rifampin is usually given until lab tests show that the infection has cleared.

While using rifampin, you may need frequent blood tests.

This medicine may affect a drug-screening urine test and you may have false results. Tell the laboratory staff that you use rifampin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause worsening symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, itching, headache, lack of energy leading to loss of consciousness, and dark or discolored skin, saliva, tears, urine, or stools.

• Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses. Rifampin may discolor your tears, which could permanently stain soft contact lenses.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or reduce how well the medications work.

Rifampin can damage your liver, especially if you are also taking certain medicines for infections, tuberculosis, depression, birth control, hormone replacement, high cholesterol, heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, pain, or arthritis (including Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve).

Many drugs can affect rifampin, and some drugs should not be taken together. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently using and any medicine you start or stop. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

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