Rifampicin

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Molecule Description

Rifampicin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent tuberculosis and other infections. This medicine can treat only bacterial infections.

Uses

Tuberculosis
Leprosy
A severe form of lung inflammation (Legionnaires disease)
Other bacterial serious infections like Brucellosis, Staphylococcal infections, etc.

Contraindications

When should one not use Rifampicin

If you have any allergic reaction to Rifampicin
Liver problem
Have a rare blood problem called porphyria

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Heartburn
Stomach upset
Cramps
Gas
Diarrhea
Headache
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Dizziness
Inability to concentrate
Confusion
Change in behaviour
Muscular weakness
Vision changes
Painful or irregular menstruation
Flushing and itchiness
Lack of coordination

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy as it can affect the growth of your unborn baby and may cause complications to the mother and the baby after birth.

Breast Feeding

Do not breastfeed your baby as small amounts of Rifampicin can pass into breast milk.

Driving

You may feel dizzy or faint, have problems with vision or have other side effects that could affect your ability to drive while taking this medicine. If this happens, do not drive.

Alcohol

No relevant information found yet.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

May cause yellowing of the skin, whitening of the eye and urine
You are taking other antiviral medicines like Saquinavir or Ritonavir (as you may develop liver problems if you are also taking Rifampicin)
If you have kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

It works by interfering with bacterial covering; thus, bacterial growth is hindered and the existing ones are killed by immunity or their lifecycle ends.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Heart ailment medicine like Digoxin
Anti-infectives like Chloramphenicol, Clarithromycin, Quinolones such as Ciprofloxacin
Antimalarial medicines like Atovaquone, Quinine
Anti-seizure medicines like Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Lamotrigine
Antifungals like Itraconazole, Ketoconazole
Benzodiazepines like Midazolam
Blood thinners like Warfarin
Calcium channel blockers like Diltiazem, Nimodipine, Verapamil
Anti-cancer medicines like Imatinib, Irinotecan
Certain oral medicines for diabetes like Repaglinide

Interactions with food items

It has known interactions with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine. Also, Increase fluid intake.

Dosage

Overdose

Overdose symptoms of Rifampicin may include nausea, vomiting, itching, headache, weakness, fast or uneven heart rate, or feeling like you might pass out. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have had an overdose of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

It is ideal not to miss even a single medicine. Take medicine as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to it. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system). Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. Also, mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking before starting this medication.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal or with small portions of food.

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