RIMACTANE

Drug Name: RIMACTANE

RIMACTANE DESCRIPTION:
RIFAMPIN - ORAL (riff-AM-pin)

COMMON RIMACTANE BRAND NAME(S):
Rifadin, Rimactane

RIMACTANE SIDE EFFECTS:
RIMACTANE may cause stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, headache, drowsiness or dizziness. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor if you experience: fever, chills, sore throat, yellowing of the eyes or skin. May cause reddish-orange discoloration of urine, stools, sweat, saliva or tears. This is harmless. Soft contact lenses may become discolored. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE RIMACTANE:
RIMACTANE: RIMACTANE is best taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals with a full glass of water. Take as directed. Do not stop taking RIMACTANE without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy early may result in ineffective treatment and the infection could recur.

RIMACTANE USES:
RIMACTANE is used to prevent and treat tuberculosis or other infections.

RIMACTANE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history especially if you have: liver problems, history of alcohol use, any allergies. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of RIMACTANE and increase side effects. Limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication. Use caution operating machinery or participating in activities requiring alertness if RIMACTANE makes you feel drowsy or dizzy. RIMACTANE should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Rifampin is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, problems have not been reported in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

RIMACTANE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take warfarin, oral medicines for diabetes, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), theophylline, halothane, verapamil, certain protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), disopyramide, beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), isoniazid, digitoxin, quinidine, mexiletine, phenytoin, cyclosporine, zidovudine and live vaccines. Also report drugs which cause drowsiness such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers, antihistamines (e.g, diphenhydramine). Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Discuss the use of other birth control methods with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

RIMACTANE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include swelling of face or around eyes, itching over the entire body, orange or red discoloration of skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

RIMACTANE NOTES:
Laboratory tests will be done periodically while taking RIMACTANE to monitor its effects. Do not share RIMACTANE with others.

MISSED RIMACTANE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

RIMACTANE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.