What is Rifampin Used For?
Rifampin is used to prevent and treat tuberculosis or other infections. 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) liver disease has occurred with the use of these two drugs alone. Several other effective alternative treatments 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 acceptable. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. How To Use Rifampin Rifampin 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 Rifampin without your doctor s approval. Stopping therapy early may result in ineffective treatment and the infection could recur. Rifampin Side Effects Rifampin may cause stomach upset, heartburn, nause
