Rifampicin brands and prices in Pakistan

About Rifampicin

Rifampicin is an antibiotic from the rifamycin group. It kills the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) and some other infections. For TB it is always used together with other TB medicines. It is a prescription medicine, usually taken as capsules, and a pharmacist can sometimes make it up as a liquid. In the US it is called rifampin.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you are allergic to rifampicin or related medicines (rifabutin, rifapentine), or if you have jaundice.
• Do not take it with certain HIV medicines (such as ritonavir or saquinavir) or certain hepatitis C, antifungal (voriconazole) and other medicines. Your doctor will check your list.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney or lung problems, diabetes, porphyria or adrenal gland problems. Older people, people who are underweight or malnourished, and people who drink alcohol or have HIV may need closer liver checks.
• Pregnancy: sources differ. The UK leaflet says it should not be taken in pregnancy, while the WHO leaflet says TB is dangerous in pregnancy and treatment is needed. Talk to your doctor.
• Breastfeeding: sources differ. The UK leaflet says do not breastfeed while taking it, while NHS and WHO leaflets say it is generally considered safe. It can turn breast milk orange-red. Ask your doctor.
• Hormonal contraception (pills, patches, rings, implants, injections) may not work properly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about another method.
• Soft contact lenses can be permanently stained.
• Blood and liver tests may be done during treatment.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• HIV medicines (protease inhibitors such as ritonavir and saquinavir), and some hepatitis C medicines
• Voriconazole and other antifungals
• Warfarin, clopidogrel and other blood thinners
• Hormonal contraceptives
• Epilepsy medicines, antipsychotics and some antidepressants
• Steroid medicines, painkillers such as NSAIDs, opioids and methadone
• Statins, some diabetes medicines, immunosuppressants and heart medicines
• Paracetamol (higher risk of liver damage), antacids (take rifampicin ahead of them, as your pharmacist tells you), and praziquantel
• Alcohol, which raises the risk of liver problems
• Rifampicin affects many medicines. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal and over-the-counter products.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it only when a doctor prescribes it for you. Take it exactly as prescribed and finish the full course as your doctor directs, even if you feel better. Stopping early can let the infection come back and help bacteria become resistant to antibiotics.
• It is usually taken on an empty stomach. Follow your own label about timing relative to meals.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Do not take two doses together. Ask your doctor if you are unsure.
• If you are sick soon after taking it, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether to take another.
• Orange colouring of body fluids is expected and harmless.
• Avoid alcohol while taking it.
• Do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy, faint or have vision problems.
• Never share your antibiotics. Store in a cool, dry place away from light and out of reach of children.

Common questions

Why is my urine orange?
Rifampicin colours urine, sweat, tears and saliva orange-red. It is harmless, but it can stain clothes and soft contact lenses.

Can I stop when I feel better?
No. TB treatment must be finished as your doctor directs. Stopping early may leave the infection incompletely treated and can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Will rifampicin stop my contraceptive working?
It can. Rifampicin can make hormonal contraception less effective, so ask your doctor or pharmacist about extra or different protection.

Can I drink alcohol?
It is best to avoid it. Alcohol raises the chance of liver problems with rifampicin.

Can I take other medicines with it?
Check first. Rifampicin changes how many medicines work, so ask your pharmacist before starting or stopping anything.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.