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molecule

Rifampicin

Molecule Description

Rifampicin is an antibiotic used to treat and prevent tuberculosis and other in

fections. This medicine can treat only bacterial infections.

uses

Uses of Rifampicin

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

Contraindications of Rifampicin

When should one not use Rifampicin

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

Side effects of Rifampicin

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
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Rifampicin

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Rifampicin during pregnancy?
A:
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.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Rifampicin while breastfeeding?
A:
Do not breastfeed your baby as small amounts of Rifampicin can pass into breast milk.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Rifampicin?
A:
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

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Rifampicin?
A:
No relevant information found yet.
otherGeneralWarnings

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
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Rifampicin

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 of Rifampicin

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

Dosage of Rifampicin

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 ...
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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 doub...
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Content Details

WRITTEN BY
REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?

A: 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.

Q: When and how to consume the medicine?

A: 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.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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