What does it do?

Rifampicin is used to treat or prevent tuberculosis and other infections.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have liver problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take rifampicin regularly as directed. Take each dose on an empty stomach - one hour before or two hours after food. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.
Take the tablets and capsules with a glass of water.
Measure the liquid carefully with an oral syringe or measuring spoon. Shake the bottle well before measuring each dose.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you often forget to take rifampicin, your infection may not be fully treated.

Can you take other medicines?

Rifampicin can react with many medicines, sometimes with severe results.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John’s wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Reduced number of blood cells that help your blood to clot - symptoms include: easy or unusual bruising or bleeding	Tell your doctor immediately
Skin rash	Tell your doctor
Nausea, stomach upset Headache, dizziness Muscle weakness or pain Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, bone aches)	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Red/orange body fluids	Do not wear soft contact lenses (they may be permanently stained)

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Limit alcohol intake while taking rifampicin. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems.
• If you are taking an oral contraceptive you will need to use additional birth control methods while taking rifampicin, and for four weeks after stopping. Talk to your doctor.
• Do not stop taking rifampicin without talking to your doctor first.