Rifadin (rifampin) is an antibiotic and is used for the prevention or treatment of tuberculosis infections.

Rifadin is never used alone, but in combination with at least one other agent to treat the initial phase of tuberculosis. After a two month period, your doctor may prescribe another combination of antituberculosis drugs, which can be continued for long periods.

Rifadin may also be used to eliminate bacteria that can cause meningitis (and other infections) from your nose and throat, even

Rifadin is an antibiotic which is most frequently used to treat tuberculosis (TB). Rifadin targets and inactivates a bacterial chemical called RNA-polymerase. The tuberculosis bacteria use RNA-polymerase to make essential proteins and to copy their own genetic information (DNA). Without this chemical the bacteria cannot reproduce and they die.

There are two stages in the treatment for tuberculosis. In the first two months after infection (the initial phase), treatment is aimed at killing as many bacteria as possible.

Take each dose of Rifadin with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Take Rifadin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

For the treatment of tuberculosis (TB):

Adults and older children
600 mg of Rifadin once a day. Your doctor may instruct you to take 600 mg two times a week or three times a week. Rifadin must be taken with other medicines to treat tuberculosis.

Infants and children
Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your doctor.

Rifadin decreases the concentration of the following medications in the blood:

• Methadone
• Disopyramide, mexiletine, propafenone and quinidine (anti-arrhythmics)
• Chloramphenicol
• Dapsone
• Nicoumalone and warfarin (blood-thinning medications)
• Chlorpropamide and tolbutamide (and possibly other sulphonylurea antidiabetic drugs), repaglinide
• Phenytoin (antiepileptic)
• Fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine (antifungals)
• Indinavir, efavirenz, nelfinavir,
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Most Important Fact about Rifadin
Take all of the Rifadin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Rifadin precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

There is no information available about the safety of Rifadin during pregnancy, therefore Rifadin is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Rifadin

More common side effects of Rifadin may include:

• diarrhea,
• stomach cramps

Less common side effects of Rifadin may include:

• chills,
• difficult breathing,
• dizziness,
• fever,
• headache,
• itching,
• muscle and bone pain,
• shivering,
• skin rash and redness
• sores on mouth or tongue

Rare side effects of Rifadin may include:

• bloody or
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