Rifampicin

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

R-Cin 600

Popular combinations:

Rifafour, Rifinah, Rimactazid

Drug group:

Antituberculous drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Rifampicin is an antibacterial drug that is used to treat:

• Tuberculosis (TB) including tuberculous meningitis – oral forms are well absorbed in the intestine and widely distributed throughout the body and brain
• Other serious infections including leprosy, brucellosis, Legionnaires’ disease, and infections of the bone (osteomyelitis)
• Meningococcal meningitis prevention – given to people who have been in close contact with an infected person in order to prevent infection

How should it be used?

Rifampicin is always prescribed with other antibiotics or antituberculous drugs because of the emergence of resistant bacteria

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tuberculosis: usually 450–600mg once daily, 30 minutes before breakfast
• Leprosy: 450–600mg once daily or 600mg once a month
• Prevention of meningococcal meningitis: total 1.2g daily, 2 x daily for 2 days
• Other serious infections: total 600mg–1.2g daily, 2–4 x daily, 30 minutes before or 2 hours after meals

How quickly will it start to work?

Several days                       

How long will the effects last?

Up to 24 hours     

When should I stop using it?

Complete the full course as prescribed.

Stopping the drug suddenly after high-dose treatment can rarely lead to a flu-like illness including headaches and breathing difficulties.

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use can increase your risk of liver damage – you may need regular  blood tests to monitor liver function.

What are the possible side effects?

Serious side effects are rare with rifampicin.

The following have been reported:

• More common: red-orange discoloration of body fluids (urine/saliva/tears)
• Less common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, rash, itching
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: jaundice, flu-like illness, easy bruising or bleeding

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/ kidney problems, porphyria
• Other medicines: Oral contraceptives, phenytoin, corticosteroids, oral antidiabetics, disopyramide, oral anticoagulants,
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety in pregnancy not established, normal doses are unlikely toaffect the breastfed baby
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary, increased risk of side effects
• Driving and hazardous work: No problems expected
• Alcohol: Avoid excessive amounts, increased risk of liver damage
• Contact lenses: Soft contact lenses may become permanently stained