Rifampin Fact Sheet

Revised: Nov. 2016

Medication Information

Rifampin (RMP) is an antibiotic medicine. There are two ways that it is used:

• To treat inactive latent tuberculosis (TB)
• To cure active tuberculosis disease in combination with other medicines

Taking the Medication

• Take this medicine as directed by your doctor.
• Even if you start to feel better, it is important to keep taking this medicine until the doctor tells you to stop.
• This medicine works best on an empty stomach. However, if it upsets your stomach you may take it with food.

Possible Side Effects

Most people do not experience problems while taking RMP. You will need to be monitored regularly by your doctor while taking RMP.

• Orange or red coloured saliva, tears, urine, stool (this is not harmful)
• Skin rash, itching
• Flu-like symptoms (fever or chills, dizziness, shortness of breath)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Tiredness, weakness
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Very dark urine

*If you have any of these side effects speak with your doctor immediately. If you are unable to reach your doctor, stop taking the medicine until you do speak with your doctor.

Precautions

• Do not wear soft contact lens while taking this medicine. Rifampin will stain soft contact lenses.
• Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase the chance of liver problems while you are taking Rifampin.
• Talk to your doctor about other medicines you are taking or any new medicines that you start taking.
• Safe for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Birth control pills may not work while taking this medicine.
  • 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 2 doses at the same time.

Storage

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Do not put it in the refrigerator.