Brand Names

How to Use

Rifampin is best taken with a full glass - 8 ounces of water on an empty stomach - either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. However, if this drug upsets your stomach, your family doctor may want you to take it with food.

For diseaseds unable to swallow capsules :

• Contents of the capsules may be mixed with applesauce or jelly. Be sure to take all the food to get the full dose of drug.
• Your pharmacist can prepare an oral liquid form of this drug if needed. The liquid form may be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Follow the directions on the label. Shake the bottle well before using. Do not use after the expiration date on the label. The drug may not work properly after that date. In addition, use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

To help clear up your tuberculosis - TB infection completely, it is very important that you keep taking this drug for the full time of treat , even if you begin to feel better after a few weeks. You may have to take it every day for as long as 1 to 2 years or more It is important that you do not miss any doses .

Dosage

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the drug. Always the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses and the length of time you take the drug depend on the medical problem for which you are taking rifampin .

• For oral dosage form - capsules and injection dosage form:
  • For the treat of tuberculosis - TB:
    • Adults and older children 600 milligrams - mg once a day. Your family doctor may instruct you to take 600 mg two times a week or three times a week. Rifampin must be taken with other medication to treat tuberculosis.
    • Infants and children Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your family doctor. Rifampin is usually taken once a day. Your family doctor may instruct you to take rifampin two times a week or three times a week. Rifampin must be taken with other medication to treat tuberculosis.
  • For the treat of diseaseds in contact with the meningitis bacteria:
    • Adults and older children 600 mg once a day for four days.
    • Infants and children Dose is based on body weight and will be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. If this drug is taken on an irregular schedule, side effects may occur more often and may be more serious than usual . If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Storage To store the capsule form of this drug:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.