Generic Rifadin is used to prevent and treat tuberculosis or other infections.

This medication is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals with a full glass of water. Take as directed. Do not stop taking this medication without your doctors approval. Stopping therapy early may result in ineffective treatment and the infection could recur.

This drug may cause stomach upset heartburn nausea headache drowsiness or dizziness. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. If these effects persist or worsen inform your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fever chills sore throat nausea stomach pain dark urine yellowing eyes or skin. May cause reddish-orange discoloration of urine stools sweat saliva or tears. This is harmless. Soft contact lenses may become discolored. 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: 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 and live vaccines. Also report drugs which cause drowsiness such as: sedatives tranquilizers psychiatric medicines anti-seizure drugs anti-anxiety drugs narcotic pain relievers antihistamines e.g. diphenhydramine. Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Discuss the use of other birth control methods with your doctor. 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 swelling of face or around eyes itching over the entire body orange or red discoloration of skin or eyes nausea vomiting drowsiness and loss of consciousness.

Laboratory tests will be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor its effects. Do not share this medication with others.

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

This medication is used to prevent and treat tuberculosis or other infections. Use of only rifampin and pyrazinamide as a two-drug two-month therapy to treat tuberculosis specifically latent TB infection is no longer recommended. Infrequently serious sometimes fatal liver disease has occurred with the use of these two drugs alone. Several other effective alternative treatments can be used to treat latent tuberculosis e.g. isoniazid for 9 months. Use of rifampin and pyrazinamide as part of a multi-drug 3 or more drugs treatment plan for tuberculosis is still acceptable. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

Tell your doctor your medical history especially if you have: liver problems history of alcohol use any 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. This medication should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Rifampin is excreted into breast milk. Though to date problems have not been reported in nursing infants consult your doctor before breast-feeding.