rifamycin derivatives  (RIF am pin)

View All Brands

rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine

What is this medicine?

RIFAMPIN (RIF am pin) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat or prevent certain kinds of bacterial infections. It is used to treat or prevent tuberculosis (TB). It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease, including hepatitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to rifampin, rifabutin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. For your therapy to work as well as possible, take each dose exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine even if you feel better. Skipping doses may make the TB resistant to this medicine and other medicines. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• delavirdine
• nevirapine
• sirolimus
• voriconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, isoniazid
• antifungal medicines like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
• atovaquone
• chloramphenicol
• cyclosporine
• dapsone
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• halothane
• medicines for blood pressure, other heart problems
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for pain
• medicnes for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• medicines for sleep
• medicines for the thyroid
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
• probenecid
• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
• vitamin D

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.