Rifadin is an antituberculosis agent. It works by killing or stopping the growth of tuberculosis bacteria.

Use Rifadin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Rifadin by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating with a full glass of water.

Do not take an antacid within 1 hour before you take Rifadin .

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Cramps; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; joint pain; loss of appetite; menstrual changes; nausea; stomach pain or bloating; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; severe stomach pain; yellowing of eyes or skin.

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Rifadin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines (eg, used for infections, inflammation, aches and pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, seizures), multivitamin products, herbal or dietary supplements (eg, herbal teas, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), isoniazid, itraconazole, and voriconazole may interact with Rifadin , increasing the risk of side effects.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Rifadin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Do NOT use Rifadin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Rifadin

you have porphyria

you are taking HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir) or voriconazole

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The treatment of all forms of tuberculosis and the treatment of some people who have meningitis.

It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Keep container tightly closed. Store in a dry place. Avoid excessive heat.

If you have any questions about Rifadin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Rifadin may produce a reddish coloration of your urine, sweat, saliva, and tears. Rifadin may also permanently stain soft contact lenses.

Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Rifadin . To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).

Lab tests, such as complete blood counts, may be performed while you use Rifadin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Rifadin while you are pregnant. Rifadin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Rifadin .