Rifamate

Rifamate is an antibiotic used to treat persons with tuberculosis. It that works by killing the tuberculosis bacteria. This medication is best taken on an empty stomach and with a full glass of water.

• Rifamate

• IsonaRif
• Rifamate
• Rifater

• Capsule
• Tablet

• By mouth

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, and with a full glass of water. It is important to take this medicine on a regular schedule.

Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

Your doctor may also want you to take pyridoxine (vitamin B6) every day to help prevent or lessen some of the side effects of isoniazid.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rifampin, isoniazid, or similar medicines, or if you have meningococcal disease (including infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and bloodstream) or an acute gout.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

This medicine may turn your urine, saliva, sweat, teeth, and tears yellow, orange, red, or brown. This is normal. This side effect could also stain contact lenses.

This medicine may cause the following problems:Liver problemsDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can damage organs, including the liver, kidneys, or heartSerious skin reactionsEye or vision problemsBleeding problemsIncreased levels of uric acid, which causes symptoms of gout

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood clotting problems, diabetes, seizures, vitamin K deficiency, or porphyria (an enzyme problem). Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

If you use an antacid, take it at least 1 hour after you take rifampin/isoniazid.

If you are taking itraconazole, do not use this medicine 2 weeks before and during itraconazole treatment.

Do not use this medicine together with praziquantel. If you need to take praziquantel, you should stop using this medicine 4 weeks before starting praziquantel. You may restart this medicine one day after the last dose of praziquantel.

Rifampin interacts with many other medicines. Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines that you are taking before taking rifampin.

Do not use this medicine if you are also receiving certain medicines to treat HIV infection, including atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, or tipranavir.

Avoid foods and drinks that are high in tyramine, because your blood pressure could get dangerously high. Your doctor should give you a complete list. In general, do not eat anything aged or fermented, such as most cheese, most alcohol, cured meat (such as salami), sauerkraut, and soy sauce. Check the expiration dates on packages. Tyramine levels get higher as food gets older or if it has not been refrigerated properly.

Avoid eating certain types of fish, including tuna and skipjack, while you are using this medicine.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Blurred vision, changes in vision
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Joint pain or swelling
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Trouble breathing, coughing up blood, nosebleed
• Diarrhea, stomach upset
• Stomach upset or cramping
• Loss of appetite