Indications:
It is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and for the treatment of asymptomatic carriers of N. meningitidis to eliminate meningococci from the nasopharynx.
Contra-indications:
A history of previous hypersensitivity reaction to any of the rifamycins.
Adverse Effects:
This drug may cause upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, menstrual changes, headache, drowsiness, or dizziness.
Drug Interactions:
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: live bacterial vaccines (e.g., oral typhoid), certain non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nevirapine, delavirdine, etravirine), voriconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir).
Precautions & Warning:
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, liver problems (e.g., hepatitis), HIV infection, history of alcohol use/abuse. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Use in Pregnancy and Nursing Mothers:
Although rifampin has been reported to cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood, the effect of rifampin, alone or in combination with other antituberculous drugs, on the human fetus is not known. An increase in congenital malformations, primarily spina bifida and cleft palate, has been reported in the offspring of rodents given oral doses of 150-250 mg/kg/day of rifampin during pregnancy. The possible teratogenic potential in women capable of bearing children should be carefully weighed against the benefits of therapy.
Treatment/antidote in The Event of Overdose:
Nausea, vomiting, and increasing lethargy will probably occur within a short time after ingestion; actual unconsciousness may occur with severe hepatic involvement. Brownish-red or orange discoloration of the skin, urine, sweat, saliva, tears and feces is proportional to amount ingested.
Storage instructions:
Store below 25ºC. Protect from moisture. Keep out of reach of children.