About rifampin
Rifamycin antibiotic
Used for
- Treats tuberculosis, always with other medicines.
- Treats certain other bacterial infections, including meningococcal infection.
- Prevents meningococcal disease and Haemophilus influenzae type b infection in close contacts.
Usual adult dose
Tuberculosis: usually 10 mg/kg once daily, maximum 600 mg, with other medicines. Other uses vary.
Usual dose in children
Tuberculosis: usually 10–20 mg/kg once daily, maximum 600 mg, with other medicines. Other uses vary.
Common side effects
- Orange-red discoloration of urine, tears, sweat, and other body fluids.
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea.
- Liver inflammation or injury.
- Rash, itching, or flu-like symptoms.
Important warnings
- Can cause serious liver injury; monitoring may be needed.
- Take exactly as prescribed; tuberculosis treatment requires combination therapy.
- Many medicines interact; rifampicin can greatly reduce their effects.
- Can stain soft contact lenses and permanently discolor some fabrics.
Pregnancy
Use depends on the infection and clinical circumstances; treatment decisions require weighing benefits and risks.
Breastfeeding
Usually compatible when needed, but breast milk and infant body fluids may become orange-red.
Interactions
- Can reduce effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; additional or alternative contraception may be needed.
- Reduces levels of warfarin, some HIV medicines, transplant medicines, and many others.
- Antacids can reduce absorption; separate administration as directed.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.