DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Isoniazid, INH; Rifampin

March 21, 2017

Isoniazid, Rifampin Oral capsule

What is this medicine?

ISONIAZID; RIFAMPIN (eye soe NYE a zid; RIF am pin) is a combination of two antibiotics. It is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes

  • HIV positive

  • if you frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • malnutrition

  • tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to isoniazid, rifampin, rifabutin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early. Skipping doses may make the TB resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • atomoxetine

  • certain antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

  • dronedarone

  • green tea

  • levodopa

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • procarbazine

  • ranolazine

  • sirolimus

  • voriconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • acetaminophen

  • antacids

  • atovaquone

  • barbiturates like phenobarbital

  • beta-blockers like metoprolol and propranolol

  • calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nifedipine and verapamil

  • certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for diabetes, like glipizide or glyburide

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole and itraconazole

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like disopyramide, mexiletine, quinidine

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid

  • certain medicines for sleep

  • certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

  • chloramphenicol

  • clarithromycin

  • clofibrate

  • cyclosporine

  • dapsone

  • diazepam

  • digoxin

  • doxycycline

  • enalapril

  • female hormones, like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections

  • haloperidol

  • levothyroxine

  • methadone

  • narcotic medicines for pain

  • quinine

  • sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • tacrolimus

  • theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need blood work done regularly.

You may need to take vitamin supplements while on this medicine. Talk to your doctor about the foods you eat and the vitamins you take. Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium, and iron-containing products within 2 hours of taking this medicine. It is best to separate these medicines by 4 to 6 hours.

If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugars closely. This medicine may change the way your diabetic medicine works, and sometimes will require that your dosages be adjusted. Check with your doctor or health care professional.

If you have diabetes, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can cause serious liver problems. Make sure you understand the risks for liver problems and how to identify the symptoms. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or other health care provider.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medicine. Drinking alcohol during treatment with this medicine increases the risk of serious liver problems.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

This medicine can color your urine, feces (stool), perspiration (sweat), tears, sputum, skin or saliva reddish-orange to reddish-brown. This color can last for as long as you take this medicine and is not a cause for alarm. This color in tears may permanently stain soft contact lenses. It is better not to wear soft contact lenses while you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision or eye pain

  • dark urine

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever or chills, sore throat

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • loss of appetite

  • memory problems

  • nausea, vomiting

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • pinpoint red spots on the skin

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • seizures

  • stomach pain

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

  • unusual bleeding, bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):

  • breast enlargement or tenderness

  • diarrhea

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • upset stomach

  • trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert