Generic RIFAMPIN is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals as directed. Take all this medication as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctors approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment. For best results take this medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep your blood level constant. Antacids may reduce the absorption of rifampin. Take this drug at least one hour before taking any antacids.

Stomach upset heartburn gas diarrhea sore mouth drowsiness dizziness or flushing may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome inform your doctor. This medication may cause urine saliva tears and sweat to turn red-orange in color. Do not be alarmed. This will disappear when the medication is stopped. Notify your doctor if you develop: weakness unusual bruising or bleeding headache nausea vomiting yellowing of the eyes or skin dark urine pale stools numbness or tingling of the hands or feet changes in vision confusion memory trouble fever sore throat fever chills. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash itching swelling dizziness trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above contact your doctor or pharmacist.

This drug is not recommended for use with: delavirdine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use both prescription and nonprescription especially of: other MAO inhibitors e.g. furazolidone linezolid moclobemide phenelzine procarbazine selegiline isocarboxazid tranylcypromine adrenaline-like drugs e.g. sympathomimetics such as ephedra pseudoephedrine phenylpropanolamine serotonin-type drugs including SSRI antidepressants and triptans such as sumatriptan warfarin oral medicines for diabetes azole antifungals e.g. itraconazole ketoconazole theophylline halothane verapamil certain protease inhibitors e.g. nelfinavir corticosteroids e.g. prednisone disopyramide beta-blockers e.g. metoprolol isoniazid digitoxin quinidine mexiletine phenytoin cyclosporine zidovudine live vaccines. In very rare cases a drug contained in this combination medication isoniazid - INH may cause flushing of the skin or symptoms of high blood pressure such as unusually fast or slow heartbeat vomiting sweating headache chest pain sudden vision changes one-sided weakness or slurred speech. Tell your doctor immediately should these symptoms occur. If these reactions do occur it is important that you follow special dietary restrictions in order to limit the amount of tyramine and histamine in your diet while you are taking this medicine. Foods and beverages high in tyramine should be avoided see list below. Excessive amounts of coffee chocolate sour cream or avocados may also produce symptoms of high blood pressure in very rare cases. High tyramine content foods include: aged cheeses cheddar camembert emmenthaler brie stilton blue gruyere gouda brick bleu roquefort boursault parmesan romano provolone liederdranz colby edam aged/dried/fermented/salted/smoked/pickled/processed meats and fish includes bacon summer sausage liverwurst hot dogs corned beef pepperoni salami bologna ham mortadella pickled or dried herring banana peel beef and chicken liver stored not fresh bouillon cubes commercial gravies concentrated yeast extracts marmite fava beans Italian green beans broad beans fermented bean curd homemade yeast-leavened bread kim chee Korean fermented cabbage miso orange pulp overripe or spoiled fruits packaged soups red wine sauerkraut sherry snow pea pods sourdough bread soy sauce soya bean soya bean paste tap beer and ale vermouth. Consult your healthcare professional e.g. doctor pharmacist or dietician for more information including specific recommendations for your diet if necessary. Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Discuss the use of other birth control methods with your doctor. Also report drugs which cause drowsiness such as: sedatives tranquilizers psychiatric medicines anti-seizure or anti-anxiety drugs narcotic pain relievers certain antihistamines e.g. diphenhydramine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

If overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea vomiting stomach pain dizziness slurred speech blurred vision unusually slow breathing loss of consciousness and seizures.

Laboratory tests will be done frequently to monitor the effectiveness of this medication and to prevent side effects. You may need to take pyridoxine vitamin B-6 while taking this ask your doctor. You should get regular eye exams also.

Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose take it as soon as remembered do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose instead skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up the dose to catch up.

This medication is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F 15 and 30 degrees C away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Tell your doctor if you have: liver disease kidney problems blood disorders history of alcohol use allergies especially drug allergies. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of this medication and increase side effects. Limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication. Use caution operating machinery or participating in activities requiring alertness if this medication makes you feel drowsy or dizzy. Soft contact lenses may be permanently discolored by this medication. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.