Rifampicin: how to take it safely
Rifadin, Rimactane
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats tuberculosis (TB) and some other serious infections.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
- Take it every day and finish the full course. TB treatment takes months.
When to take it
Take it once a day at the same time, usually in the morning.
Take it with
On an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
What to avoid
- Missing doses or stopping early. This can lead to drug-resistant TB.
- Alcohol.
- Tell your pharmacist about all medicines you take.
- Hormonal contraceptives will not work well. Use another method.
- Wearing soft contact lenses. It can stain them.
Possible side effects
Orange-red urine, sweat and tears (harmless), nausea, loss of appetite.
Get help if
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, fever, rash or unusual bruising: see a doctor.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.