Rifampin capsules
Rifampin capsules
What is this medicine?
RIFAMPIN (RIF am pin) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial infections. It is used to treat or prevent 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 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 doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the TB resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional 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
bloody or watery diarrhea
breathing problems
bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever or chills
fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face
general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms
mouth sores
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
sore throat
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):
diarrhea
dizziness
drowsiness
confusion
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
delavirdine
nevirapine
sirolimus
voriconazole
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, isoniazid
antifungal medicines like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
atovaquone
chloramphenicol
cyclosporine
dapsone
female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
halothane
medicines for blood pressure, other heart problems
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for diabetes
medicines for pain
medicnes for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
medicines for sleep
medicines for the thyroid
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
probenecid
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
vitamin D
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 below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. 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
HIV or AIDS
if you often drink alcohol
liver disease
wear contact lenses
an unusual or allergic reaction to 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