Sign inBefore taking rifampicin
Before taking rifampicin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver problems, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take rifampicin
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
- You must complete the course of rifampicin.
- Do not stop taking rifampicin without speaking to your doctor first
- Rifampicin must be taken on an empty stomach (half to one hour before food).
- Try to take rifampicin at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
- Rifampicin is sometimes given three times a week as part of a supervised treatment known as intermittent directly observed therapy (DOT).
Getting the most from your treatment
- Important: rifampicin reduces the effects of oral hormonal contraception. If you are taking 'the pill', speak to your doctor for advice before taking rifampicin.
- This medicine may colour urine, saliva and other body fluids orange-red. This is completely harmless and should be no cause for concern.
- Rifampicin can cause discolouration of soft contact lenses and you should not wear these during treatment.
- You must keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will need to have regular blood and urine tests while taking rifampicin.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
- If you are diabetic, you may need to monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can rifampicin cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids. If the diarrhoea continues or is severe, speak with your doctor |
| Drowsiness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath, flushing, weakness, skin rashes, or itching | Speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store rifampicin
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Rifadin® 150 mg Capsules, sanofi aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2005.