Rifadin generic intravenous infusion, syrup and capsules all contain the key agent rifampicin – a drug that falls into a class of medications known as rifamycin antibiotics. Rifadin is used for the following.
- Treating tuberculosis infections (in conjunction with other anti-tuberculosis medications).
- Curing infections triggered by bacteria called as brucella (in combination with certain other antibiotics).
- Treating leprosy (used with other anti-leprosy medications).
- In the treatment of Legionnaires’ disease (with certain other antibiotics).
- Preventing the infection sparked off due to bacteria known as Haemophilus influenza.
- Preventing meningococcal meningitis.
- Curing severe infections caused on account of staphylococcal bacteria (in combination with certain other antibiotics).
How Does Rifadin Treat Tuberculosis Infections?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disorder caused due to a bacterium known as mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis mainly targets the lungs; however it may also affect other parts such as organs of the circulatory system, lymphatic system and central nervous system. Rifadin works by exterminating these bacteria. It achieves this by blocking RNA polymerase – a bacterial enzyme. RNA polymerase is used by the bacteria to prepare vital proteins and to reproduce their DNA (genetic information). Absence of RNA polymerase makes bacteria unable to reproduce and they gradually die.
The treatment of tuberculosis consists of 2 phases. The first phase lasts for about 2 months and is targeted at killing all bacteria. Hence various anti-tuberculosis medications with different action mechanisms are administered simultaneously. Typically, the combinations used are ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin. In the later stage, some of these drugs are stopped and rifadin and isoniazid are continued for about 4 months to destruct any bacteria that is still alive.
The bacteria that bring about tuberculosis infection are a tad difficult to kill. By combining various medications, bacteria can be targeted in several ways and hence chances of faster recovery increase as compared to using only 1 drug. Additionally, using several medicines together decreases the chances of bacteria becoming resistant to the drug.
Every dose of Rifadin should be taken at least half an hour before having a meal or 2 hours after having a meal so that it gets fully absorbed in stomach. You will be required to test your blood to ensure sound liver function before you commence the treatment with Rifadin. If the blood test confirms any liver problems, you will need to undergo periodic blood tests to monitor liver function throughout the treatment. Every person using Rifadin should inform the doctor immediately upon noticing any symptom that hints at liver problems. These include persistent nausea and development of jaundice. Rifadin may cause discoloration of urine and saliva, which is quite normal. If you experience inflammation of the bowel or severe diarrhea that contains mucus or blood during the treatment with Rifadin, consult the doctor immediately. Rifadin generic lowers the efficiency of hormonal contraceptive tablets like mini pill, patch or emergency contraceptive pills. You should therefore use other non-hormonal contraceptive method for preventing pregnancy whilst using this drug. You will need to use it for about 2 months after stopping the treatment.
For the best and fastest results, you must take every dose of antibiotics regularly as instructed by the doctor. It’s also extremely necessary for you to finish the recommended course of antibiotics such as Rifadin, even though you feel the symptoms have relieved. Quitting the use of this drug before completing the treatment may lead to the relapse of the infection and it may also make bacteria resistant to the drug. Rifadin must be used with caution in people suffering from decreased kidney or liver function and alcoholism.













