$Unique_ID{BRK03323}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{rifampin}
$Subject{Rifadin Marion Merrell Dow Rimactane Ciba Antibiotic rifampin
tuberculosis meningococcal meningitis bacteria}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


rifampin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Rifadin (Marion Merrell Dow)
     Rimactane (Ciba)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antibiotic

INGREDIENT

     rifampin

DOSAGE FORM

     Capsules (150 mg and 300 mg)

STORAGE

     Rifampin should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     Rifampin is an antibiotic that is used to treat tuberculosis and to
prevent meningococcal meningitis.  Rifampin works by preventing the growth and
multiplication of susceptible bacteria.  Rifampin, however, is not effective
against viruses, parasites, or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Rifampin should be taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach
one hour before or two hours after a meal.  If this medication causes stomach
irritation, however, check with your doctor to see if you can take it with
food.
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your
next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.
     Continue to take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your
doctor (which may be months to years), even if the symptoms disappear before
the end of that period.  If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant
bacteria will continue to grow, and your infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, headache, heartburn, loss of
appetite, nausea, stomach irritation, or vomiting.  These side effects should
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
confusion, difficult or painful urination, fatigue, fever, flushing, itching,
muscle weakness, numbness, skin rash, uncoordinated movements, visual
disturbances, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.  Also, if your symptoms of
infection seem to be worsening rather than improving, tell your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Rifampin interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use with paminosalicylic acid may decrease the blood levels
and effectiveness of rifampin.
     2. Rifampin can decrease the blood levels and effectiveness of
metoprolol, propranolol, verapamil, aminophylline, theophylline,
oxtriphylline, quinidine, adrenocorticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines),
progestins, clofibrate, methadone, oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such
as warfarin), oral antidiabetic medicines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, dapsone, digitoxin, and trimethoprim.
     3. Concurrent use of rifampin with alcohol or isoniazid can lead to an
increased risk of liver damage.
     4. Rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth
control pills), and pregnancy could result.  You should use a different or
additional form of birth control while taking rifampin.  Discuss this with
your doctor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to rifampin.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you have a history of alcoholism or liver disease.
     * Rifampin has been prescribed for your current infection only.  Another
infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different
medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use it for
other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Rifampin can cause reddish-orange to reddish-brown discoloration of
your urine, feces, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears.  This is a harmless
effect.  The drug may also permanently discolor soft contact lenses.  You
might want to stop wearing them while you are taking this medication.  Discuss
this with your ophthalmologist.
     * Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  Stopping the drug and restarting it at a later time can lead to an
increase in side effects.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although rifampin
appears to be safe in humans, birth defects have been reported in the
offspring of animals that received large doses of the drug during pregnancy.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
rifampin pass into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.