Isoniazid; Rifampin capsules

July 17, 2018

Isoniazid; Rifampin capsules

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.

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.

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 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

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

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.

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.

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

  • gout

  • HIV or AIDS

  • if you often drink alcohol

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • malnutrition

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

  • wear contact lenses

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medicine can color your teeth, urine, sweat, tears, and mucous. The color may stain your teeth for good. The color in tears may also stain soft contact lenses for good. If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or health care professional when you can use your lenses again.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

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.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018