Rifampin

Rifampin eliminates bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). It is generally used with other drugs to treat tuberculosis or to eliminate Neisseria meningitidis (a bacteria) and to prevent you from giving these infections to others. However, rifampin is not used to treat Neisseria meningitidis infection. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Rifampin comes as a capsule or tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. You will probably be taking it for at least 3 months and possibly for up to 2 years. Rifampin works best on an empty stomach; take it 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after a meal. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you may empty its contents into applesauce or jelly. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rifampin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Rifampin may cause side effects. Your urine, stools, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears may turn red-orange; this effect is harmless. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
headache</li>
<li>
muscle pain</li>
<li>
bone pain</li>
<li>
heartburn</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
stomach cramps</li>
<li>
chills</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
skin rash (hives)</li>
<li>
sores on skin or in the mouth</li>
<li>
fever</li>
<li>
yellowing of the skin or eyes</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking rifampin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rifampin or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), estrogen, hydrocortisone (Hydrocortone), medications for heart disease or diabetes, methadone, prednisone (Deltasone), theophylline (Theo-Dur), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), and vitamins. Rifampin alters the effectiveness of oral contraceptives; use another method of birth control while taking this medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.