Rifampin

Generic Name : Rifampin

TradeName : Cavidin, Coxid-450, Coxid-450, Famcin, Gocox, Macox, Monocin, Monotmycin, Mycostat, Rimpin, Rifacept, Rifacilin, Rifampila, Rifamycin, Rimactane, Rimpacin, Ticin, Zucox

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Rifampin eliminates bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). It generally is used with other drugs to treat tuberculosis and to prevent you from giving the infection to others. It has also been used to treat leprosy.

When it is to be taken : Rifampin is usually taken once a day. You will probably be taking it for at least three months and possibly for up to two years. Get in the habit of taking it at a time that is easy for you to remember such as when you wake up in the morning. Follow the instuructions on your prescription label carefully.

How it should be taken : Rifampin comes in the form of capsules. It works best on a empty stomach - one hour before or at least two hours after a meal.

Special Instruction :
1. Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel better and have no symptoms, unless you are told to stop by your doctor. Take only the amount prescribed, and remember to take your dose every day.
2. Taking rifampin irregularly can cause blood and liver problems.
3. Rifampin makes some patients drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
4. Be careful about drinking alcoholic beverages; alcohol can increase the liver problems sometimes caused by rifampin.
5. Keep all appointments with your doctor so that tests can be done to check your response.
6. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember the missed dose at the time you are to take the next one, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Red-orange colouring of urine, stools, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears. This harmless effect is normal.
2. Headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea. If these side effects are severe, contact your doctor.
3. Stomach problems may be relieved by taking your rifampin with a snack. 4. Hives, sores on skin or in the mouth, fever, jaundice, yellowing of skin. Stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby. Rifampin can alter the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. If you are using oral contraceptives for birth control, also use some other birth-control method while taking this medication. Ask your doctor for advice.
2. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially anticoagulants such as warfarin, estrogen, medication for heart disease or diabetes, verapamil, cyclosporine, and methadone.
3. Rifampin can cause permanent staining of soft contact lenses.
4. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store the container at room temperature, away from warm areas.