Rifampin Oral Capsule (RIFAMPIN - ORAL)

Instructions

If unable to swallow the capsule, open the capsule and sprinkle onto applesauce. Eat the applesauce right away.

Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.

Take on empty stomach - 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Space doses evenly to keep a steady amount of medicine in the body.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

If you wear contact lenses, talk to your doctor. This medicine can stain some contacts.

Do not take antacids 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking this medicine.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Please tell your doctor if you have moderate to severe diarrhea while on this medicine. Do not treat the diarrhea with over-the-counter diarrhea medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• headaches
• nausea
• stomach upset or abdominal pain
• red coloring of urine, tears or sweat

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• confusion
• severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
• swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat
• pain in the joints
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mood changes
• shortness of breath
• blood in urine

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.