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Isoniazid/Rifampin Oral Capsule

For tuberculosis.

Brand Name(s): Rifamate

Generic Name: Isoniazid/Rifampin

Instructions

Take the medicine without food.

Take on empty stomach - 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Space doses evenly to keep a steady amount of medicine in the body.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

If you wear contact lenses, talk to your doctor. This medicine can stain some contacts.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

Do not take antacids 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking this medicine.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Foods containing tyramine can interact with this medicine to cause serious side effects, including a dangerous rise in blood pressure. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian about foods to avoid.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

This medicine can cause permanent change in teeth color in children.

This medicine may cause the urine to turn a reddish-brown color. This is harmless and will go away once the medicine is stopped.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Please tell your doctor if you have moderate to severe diarrhea while on this medicine. Do not treat the diarrhea with over-the-counter diarrhea medicine.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • changes in color of urine, sweat, saliva or tears
  • headaches
  • persistent heartburn
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
  • fainting
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • pain in the joints
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • seizures
  • blood in stool
  • excessive thirst
  • increased urinary frequency
  • blood in urine
  • dark urine
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.