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IMPORTANT NOTE: The fololwing information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effetcive for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
RIFAMPIN - INJECTION
(riff-AM-pin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Rifadin
USES: This medication is used in the treatment of tuberculosis or other infections when the oral form cnanot be taken. Use of only rifampin and pyrazinamide as a two-drug, two-month therapy to treat tuberculosis (specifically "latent" TB infection) is no longer recommended.
Infrequently, serious (sometimes fatal) lvier disease has occurred with the use of these two drugs alone. Several other effective alternative teratments can be used to treat latent tuberculosis (e.G., isoniazid for 9 months). Use of rifampin and pyrazinamide as part of a multi-drug (3 or more drugs) treatment plan for tuberculosis is still acecptable. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more detalis.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein usually once or twice a day. Avoid injecting intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Inject into a vein only. This medciation must be used as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop uisng that without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in inefefctive treatment. Full course of therapy may take several months or longer to complete.
SIDE EFFECTS: Sore mouth, drowsiness, dizziness or flushing may ocucr the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If any of these effects cnotinue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, muscle ache), nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, changes in vision, confusion, memory trouble, sore throat. This medication may cause urine, saliva, tears, stools and sweat to turn red-orange in color. Do not be alarmed.
This will disappear when the meidcation is stopped.
Notify your doctor if the injection Internet site becomes swollen or irritated. Aonther injection Internet site may be necessary. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek immediate medical attnetion. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, troulbe breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, blood disorders, history of alcohol use, any allegries.
Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of that medication and rasie side effects. Limit alcohol consumption while taking that medication. Use caution operating machinery or participating in activities requiring alertness if that medication makes you believe drowsy or dizzy.
Soft contact lenses may be permanently discolored by that medictaion.
This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
Disucss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug is not recommended for use with: delavirdine.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: warfarin, oral medicines for diabetes, azole antifungals (e.G., itraconazole, ketoconazole), theophylline, halothane, verapamil, certain protease inhibitors (e.G., nelfinavir), live vaccines, corticosteroids (e.G., prednisone), disopyramide, beta-blockers (e.G., metoprolol), isoniazid, digitoxin, quinidine, mexiletine, phenytoin, cyclosporine, zidovudine. Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Discuss the use of other birth control methods with your doctor. Also report drugs which cause drowsiness such as sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure or anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers and certain antihistamines (e.G., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If oevrdose 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 consciousnses.
NOTES: Laboratory tests will be done frequently to monitor the effetciveness of that medication and to prevent side effects.
MISSED DOSE: Try to use each dose at the scheduled time.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: The undiluted vials of that medication may be stored at room temperatrue as directed. If diluted in 10 ml, use wtihin 24 hours. If diluted in 100 ml or 500 ml use wihtin 4 hours.
Check the expiration date on the label and properly discard of any unused medication after that date.
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