Rifampicin 150mg

Rifampicin 150mg — Uses and Benefits

Rifampicin is mainly used to treat tuberculosis and some other bacterial infections, always as part of a doctor-supervised treatment plan.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis
• Treatment of leprosy (as part of combination therapy)
• Prevention of meningitis in people who have been in close contact with certain bacterial infections
• Treatment of certain other serious bacterial infections when prescribed

HOW IT WORKS

• Rifampicin stops bacteria from making proteins they need to survive
• This action kills the bacteria and helps clear the infection
• It works best when combined with other anti-TB medicines to prevent resistance

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Viral infections such as cold, flu or COVID-19
• Fungal infections
• General fever without a confirmed bacterial cause
• Self-treatment without a doctor's prescription and monitoring

How to Use Rifampicin 150mg

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily
• Best taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before food, for better absorption
• Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Take it at the same time every day to maintain steady levels in the body
• Complete the full course even if you feel better; stopping early can cause the infection to return or become drug-resistant
• Do not share this medicine with anyone else

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Missing doses regularly can reduce effectiveness and increase resistance risk

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Rifampicin 150mg — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Reddish-orange discolouration of urine, saliva, sweat and tears (harmless)
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Skin rash or itching
• Menstrual irregularities

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine (signs of liver problems)
• Severe stomach pain or persistent vomiting
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Breathlessness, swelling of face/lips/throat (allergic reaction)
• Fever with chills, especially with intermittent dosing
• Severe skin reactions like blistering or peeling

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Rifampicin 150mg — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to rifampicin or other rifamycin medicines
• Have active severe liver disease, unless advised otherwise by your doctor
• Are taking certain HIV protease inhibitors, unless specifically approved by your doctor

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Have diabetes
• Are taking oral contraceptive pills, as rifampicin can reduce their effectiveness
• Wear contact lenses, as this medicine may discolour them

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Oral contraceptives and hormonal birth control
• Anti-diabetic medicines
• Blood thinners like warfarin
• HIV medicines (protease inhibitors, some antiretrovirals)
• Anti-fungal medicines like ketoconazole
• Steroids and certain heart medicines

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will this medicine change the colour of my urine?

Yes, it commonly turns urine, sweat, saliva and tears reddish-orange; this is harmless and expected.

Can I stop taking it once my symptoms improve?

No, you must complete the full course as prescribed, as stopping early can lead to drug-resistant infection.

Can I take this with birth control pills?

• Rifampicin can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so discuss alternative contraception with your doctor.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.