Rifadin

Common use

Rifadin is a bactericidal antibiotic primarily used to treat and prevent active tuberculosis (TB), usually in combination with other medicines. It is also used to treat other serious bacterial infections—including leprosy, brucellosis, and Legionnaires' disease—and to prevent meningococcal disease and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Also it is used to stop the spread of meningitis in people who carry the bacteria but are not sick with the disease.

Dosage and direction

Use Rifadin as ordered by your doctor. Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take with a full glass of water. Do not take antacids within 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking Rifadin capsules. Keep taking Rifadin as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

Precautions

Rifadin can cause liver damage (hepatotoxicity). It is crucial to monitor for symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing skin and eyes. It should be used with extreme caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease.
A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Contraindications

Do not use, if you are allergic to Rifadin; any part of Rifadin (Rifampicin); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Based on animal data, this drug may cause fetal harm.

Possible side effect

Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Diarrhea; Feeling sleepy; Gas; Headache; Upset stomach or throwing up; Not hungry; Heartburn; Stomach cramps; Feeling tired or weak; Change in color of body fluids to orange or red.

Drug interaction

Major interactions include oral contraceptives (rendering them ineffective), warfarin, HIV medications, immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), and certain heart/diabetes medications. Do not take with ritonavir-boosted saquinavir, as this causes severe liver toxicity.

Missed dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think there has been an overdose, get medical care right away.

Storage

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Protect from heat and light. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.