Medication Information
Rifampin is an antibiotic medication used to treat Tuberculosis (TB) disease along with other medications. Rifampin is also used to treat Tuberculosis Infection (TBI).
The TB germs (bacteria) are very strong and are hard to get rid of. You will need to take this medication for 4 or more months to kill the TB bacteria. Your healthcare provider will decide how many months you will need to take the medication.
Taking the Medication
- It is important to take this medication every day at the same time, for example, always before going to bed or always first thing in the morning.
- This medication works best on an empty stomach. One hour before or two hours after a meal. However, if it upsets your stomach, you may take it with food.
- Take Rifampin at least one hour before using an antacid (e.g. Tums®, Rolaids®).
- Take all the medication that your are prescribed
- Even if you start to feel better, it is important to keep taking this medication until your healthcare provider tells you to stop. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you stop taking your medication.
- See your healthcare provider on a regular basis while you are taking this medication and follow instructions regarding blood work.
Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience problems while taking Rifampin.
- Orange or red coloured teeth, saliva, tears, urine sweat, sputum or stool can happen (this is not harmful). Tooth discolouration may by permanent.
- Skin rash, hives, itching.
- Flu-like symptoms (fever or chills, dizziness, shortness of breath).
- Sore mouth and/or tongue.
- Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
- Stomach pain, cramps, heartburn and/or indigestion.
- Fatigue, feeling very tired or weak, drowsiness.
- Headache, hard time concentrating, confusion and/or change in vision.
- Pain in limbs.
- Yellow skin or eyes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Very dark urine or blood in urine.
- Yellowing of skin or eyes.
- May affect menstrual cycle.
If you are concerned about these or any other side effects, call your healthcare provider.
Precautions
- Do not wear soft contact lenses while taking this medication. Rifampin will stain soft contact lenses.
- Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the chance of liver problems while your are taking Rifampin.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about other medications you are taking or any new medications that you start taking including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines.
- Follow your healthcare provider's advice about taking this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Do not share your medication with anyone.
Drug Interactions
- Birth control pills may not work while taking this medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about a back-up method of birth control while on Rifampin and for at least one cycle after treatment is complete.
Missed Doses
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Storage
- Store the medication at room temperature in a cool dry place. Do not put it in the refrigerator. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
A public health nurse will contact you on a regular basis while taking Rifampin.
For further information, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229.
References
Baush Health, Canada Inc. (2019). Prescribing Information Including Patient Medication Information, Rofact®. Rifampin Capsules, USP 150 mg and 300 mg. Retrieved from: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00051995.PDF