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Rifampin

(other types of Rifampin)
brand name(s): Rifadin (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Rifampin

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Capsules
Chemical Name: RIFAMPIN (rif-AM-pin)

Common uses
This medicine is a rifamycin antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis (TB), as well as to treat those who have been exposed to meningitis-causing bacteria before they become sick. This drug does not treat acute meningitis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking HIV protease inhibitors, pyrazinamide, or birth control pills. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants, cyclosporine, digitoxin, isoniazid, itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics, mexiletine, nevirapine, quinidine, progestins, theophylline, tocainide, verapamil, or medicine for anxiety, sleep, or seizures. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE urine, feces, saliva, sweat, and tears to turn orange or red. THIS MEDICINE MAY PERMANENTLY STAIN soft contact lenses. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. USING THIS MEDICINE while you are taking birth control pills may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include stomach upset, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, gas, abdominal cramping, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, menstrual changes, joint pain, or leg cramps. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, changes in vision, or confusion. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience severe stomach pain, dark urine, or yellowing of eyes or skin. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include swelling of face or around eyes, itching over the entire body, orange or red discoloration of skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.