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Why is Rifadin prescribed?

Rifadin eliminates bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). It generally is 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. Rifadin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Rifadin be used?

Rifadin comes as a capsule 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. Rifadin 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 Rifadin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Rifadin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Rifadin 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. Rifadin alters the effectiveness of oral contraceptives; use another method of birth control while taking Rifadin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Rifadin, call your doctor.
• you should know that Rifadin 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 Rifadin.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Rifadin cause?

Although side effects from Rifadin are not common, they can occur. 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:

• headache
• muscle pain
• bone pain
• heartburn
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• chills
• diarrhea

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash (hives)
• sores on skin or in the mouth
• fever
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

What storage conditions are needed for Rifadin?

Keep Rifadin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Rifadin.