Tuberculosis Medicine - Rifampin

What is Rifampin?

Rifampin is an antibiotic medicine used to treat tuberculosis (TB) disease. There are two ways it is used:

1. To cure TB disease (when taken with other medicines).
2. To treat latent TB infection.

Things to remember when taking this medicine:

• Take it at the same time every day (i.e. before going to bed or first thing in the morning).

• Rifampin is more effective if taken on an empty stomach. However, if you experience stomach problems, you may take it with food.

• Do not stop taking your medicine unless your health care professional tells you to do so.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but never take two doses at one time.

• If you are taking other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, please discuss this with your health care professional to help avoid any serious drug interactions.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. You could damage your liver. If this is not possible, limit your intake to one to two drinks per week.

• Store Rifampin in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.

• Rifampin may turn your sweat, tears, sputum, feces, urine, and saliva a red-orange colour. It may permanently stain contact lenses; therefore it is best not to wear contact lenses while taking this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• Rifampin may cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

Precautions for Women:

If you are taking birth control pills, Rifampin will stop them from working. You must use an alternative or additional method of birth control. If you are pregnant, planning an imminent pregnancy, or are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine. For information on other methods of birth control, call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232, ext. 1275.

Side effects to watch for:

Rifampin is generally well tolerated, but the following side effects might occur initially; if these symptoms persist or worsen, call your health care professional:

• upset stomach or heart burn
• diarrhea
• muscle or bone pain
• skin rash, itching, or
• flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, dizziness, headache).

If you have any of the following more serious side effects, stop taking the medicine and call your health care professional:

• nausea or vomiting,
• stomach cramps,
• very dark urine,
• yellowish skin or eyes,
• fever for three days or more,
• sores on skin or in the mouth,
• fatigue/feeling very tired, or
• loss of appetite

Remember:

You must keep your appointment at TB clinic, KFL&A Public Health, or your doctor's office, to be monitored regularly while on this medicine.

Call KFL&A Public Health at least two weeks before you need more medicine.
Arrangements will be made for a refill of your prescription. All TB medications are free of charge.

If you have questions or concerns, please call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1287.

Revised: 2011-07-27