Rifampin is primarily used to treat tuberculosis. It is also used to treat patients who carry meningitis bacteria in their nose and throat and may spread the bacteria to others. Rifampin, however, does not treat meningitis.
What is Rifampin?
Rifampin is an antibiotic that works by killing or blocking the growth of sensitive bacteria.
How should Rifampin be taken?
Rifampin is typically administered intravenously via injection. It can also be administered orally in the form of capsules.
Side effects associated with Rifampin
Rifampin can cause dark red urine, sweating, excessive saliva and tearing. It can also permanently color soft contact lenses.
Among the other possible side effects of Rifampin include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Gas
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Mild pain or stomach cramps
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Black urine or stools
- Bloody urine or stools
- Variations in the amount of urine produced
- Confusion
- Fever, chills or sore throat
- Pain or swelling in joints
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Nausea
- Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site
- Redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin
- Diarrhea, cramps or stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the arms, face or legs
- Loss of appetite
- Pale stools
- Jaundice
- Bruising or bleeding
- Tiredness or weakness
- Vision problems
- Vomiting
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Rifampin
Rifampin should not be taken together with atanazivir, cabazitaxel, darubinavir, delavirdine, dronedarone, etravirine, fosmprenavir, lurasidone, nifedipine, praziquantel, ranolazine, saquinavir, tripanavir, inhibitors of tyrosine kinase or voriconazole.
Its intake can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect may be further aggravated by alcohol and certain medications.
Rifampin may also reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, affect blood sugar levels and interfere with the results of certain lab tests.
Before starting treatment with Rifampin, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other drugs (particularly to rifamycins) or any food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: atanazivir, cabazitaxel, darubinavir, delavirdine, dronedarone, etravirine, fosmprenavir, lurasidone, nifedipine, praziquantel, ranolazine, saquinavir, tripanavir, inhibitors of tyrosine kinase receptor, voriconazole, drugs against anxiety, cardiac medications, medications for diabetes or HIV, medicines against high levels of iron or uric acid, supplements for low sodium levels, vitamin D supplements, drugs against nausea and vomiting, analgesics, anticonvulsants, drugs for insomnia, thyroid products, immunosuppressants, drugs or medications to fight infections
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from the adrenal problems, porphyria, diabetes, liver disease, airway or bile duct obstruction
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Finally, it is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with rifampin.
