Rifadin

The active ingredient in Rifadin is rifampin. Rifamycin antibiotics include rifampin (Rifadin) which prevents the bacterial infection from growing and spreading by blocking an enzyme (protein) that they need to make proteins.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Rifadin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Rifadin:

• Take one hour before or two hours after meals, on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water.
• Avoid taking antacids for one hour before or after taking Rifadin (capsules of rifampin).
• Even if you feel better, continue taking Rifadin (rifampin capsules) as directed by your physician or other healthcare professional.
• If you have trouble swallowing tablets, ask your pharmacist about compounding them into a liquid (suspension).

The most common side effects of Rifadin include:

• Temporary change in color of bodily fluids and teeth to an orange or yellow color.
• Headaches.
• Issues with the nervous system that impact vitality, mobility, thought, or conduct.
• Fevers.
• Changes in vision or blurred vision.
• Changes in menstrual cycle.
• Fluid buildup (edema) in the face, arms, and legs.
• Heartburn.
• Weight loss.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Rifadin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction - include fever, skin rash, shortness of breath, tongue or lip swelling, and dyspnoea.
• Serious bleeding - easy bruising, blood in the stool or urine, and difficult-to-stop bleeding.
• Liver disease or liver problems - yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine, nausea or vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Hepatotoxicity including abnormalities in liver function tests.
• Lung or breathing problems such as interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and pulmonary fibrosis.
• Thrombotic microangiopathy (damage in the smallest blood vessels).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Rifadin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Rifadin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Inform every medical professional you see that you take Rifadin.
• Follow the doctor's instructions and have your blood work examined.
• Some lab tests may be impacted by this medication. Inform every lab employee and healthcare provider that you take Rifadin.
• When using Rifadin, do not drink alcohol.
• Rifadin may stain soft contact lenses.
• The discolorization of sweat and tears is not directly noticeable, but sweat may stain light clothing.
• There could be a severe skin reaction (toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome). It can result in severe health issues that might not go away and occasionally even death. If you experience symptoms such as red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever); red or irritated eyes; or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes, you should seek medical attention immediately.
• Use Rifadin (rifampin capsules) carefully if you are 65 years of age or older. You may experience additional adverse effects.
• Contraceptives such as birth control pills might not be as effective at preventing pregnancy. When taking Rifadin (rifampin capsules), use a condom or another form of birth control.

Certain medical disorders or circumstances are known as contraindications, and they raise safety concerns about a medication's use. Rifampin (Rifadin) will not be safe for you to consume if you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you. Please inform your healthcare practitioner of this.

• Combining ritonavir and saquinavir
• Using tipranavir, saquinavir, fosamprenavir, darunavir, or atazanavir
• After beginning praziquantel, taking rifampin (Rifadin) within 4 weeks

Rifadin is quickly and nearly entirely absorbed when taken orally on an empty stomach. Peak concentration usually happens two hours after a single dose is administered. You may need to take it for several months or more to clear the infection.

When Rifadin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Atovaquone.
• Irinotecan.
• Itraconazole.
• Calcium channel blockers or blood pressure medications like nifedipine.
• Hepatitis C like sofosbuvir.
• Cobicistat.
• Lurasidone.
• Etravirine.
• Nevirapine.
• Praziquantel.
• Atazanavir.
• Darunavir.
• Clopidogrel.
• Dapsone.
• Daclatasvir.
• Fluconazole.
• Haloperidol.
• Ketoconazole.
• Levothyroxine.
• Methadone.
• Ondansetron.
• Quinine.
• Tacrolimus.
• Theophylline.
• Toremifene.
• Tamoxifen.
• Warfarin.

Tuberculosis

Based on your weight and age, your doctor will determine how much Rifadin you need to take. They will also prescribe other TB drugs to be taken in addition to Rifadin. The duration of your therapy will be determined by your provider, but it typically lasts four months or more.

Adults: 10 mg/kg (up to 600 mg) once daily is the usual dosage.

Children: 10–20 mg/kg (up to 600 mg) once a day is the usual dosage.

Meningococcal bacteria in the nose and/or throat

Adults: 600 mg taken orally twice a day for two days is the suggested dosage.

Children: Depending on your child's age, the suggested dosage varies from 5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg (up to 600 mg each dose).

Store Rifadin in a cool, dry place at room temperature and out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical manufacturer is Aventis Pharma Limited, doing business as Sanofi.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Rifadin.

You should only stop taking Rifadin if instructed to do so by your physician. Stopping and restarting them could result in undesirable side effects. If you would like to stop taking the medication, speak to your healthcare provider.

Rifadin should be taken during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Rifampin passes into breast milk but is not likely to harm your nursing infant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.