Perhaps you, or someone you know, have been prescribed a medicine called Rifampin by a doctor. This is not just a pill that you swallow, but is often given as an injection into the body through a vein. It is used especially for more serious infections like Tuberculosis (TB). So, let's talk about this medicine in a little more detail, but in simple Sinhala that you can understand?
Simply put, what is Rifampin?
Rifampin is a very powerful antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by bacteria . The most important thing to remember is that this medicine only treats bacterial infections.
This medicine has no effect on diseases caused by viruses, such as the common cold and flu. Therefore, it is best not to use this type of medicine without a doctor's prescription.
This medicine can also be used for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Before starting the medication, be sure to tell your doctor these things:
Before you start treatment with Rifampin, it is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.
| Health condition or habit | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Rifampin can change blood sugar levels. |
| Liver disease | Because this medication can affect the liver, it is important to inform the doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. |
| HIV or AIDS status | This medicine may interact with medications taken for HIV. |
| Frequent drinking of alcohol | Both alcohol and Rifampin can affect the liver, so the risk may increase. |
| Being pregnant or expecting a baby | You should discuss the effects of this medication with your doctor during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding | There is a possibility that the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
| Wearing contact lenses | Rifampin can turn secretions, such as tears and sweat, a red-orange color, and it can permanently stain soft contact lenses. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | If you are allergic to Rifampin or anything else, it is essential to inform your doctor before starting treatment. |
How is this medicine given?
This medicine is usually given slowly into a vein (infusion). Most often, this is given by a health professional (doctor or nurse) in a hospital or clinic.
In some cases, you may need to give yourself this vaccine at home. If so, you will be taught how to prepare and give it correctly. It is very important to take the medicine exactly as instructed, at the right time, every day . Continue the treatment until your doctor tells you to stop.
Disposal of needles and syringes
If you are using this medicine at home, never throw used needles and syringes in the regular trash . There is a special sharps container for them. If you don't have one, ask your doctor for one.
If the dosage of the medicine is increased (Overdosage)
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
Rifampin is a drug that can interact with many other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Special Warning: Some of the following medications should never be taken with Rifampin. So if you are using any of these, tell your doctor right away. For example, some antiviral medications for HIV or Hepatitis, such as Praziquantel and Voriconazole.
The table below lists some other drugs that may interact with Rifampin. This list is not complete, but it will give you some idea.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Painkillers | Acetaminophen, Morphine, Oxycodone |
| Other antibiotics | Doxycycline , Clarithromycin, Ciprofloxacin |
| Anticoagulants | Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor |
| Diabetes medications | Glipizide, Glyburide, Rosiglitazone |
| Medications for heart disease and high blood pressure | Simvastatin, and many other drugs. |
| Female hormones and birth control pills | Drugs containing estrogen and progestins. |
| Medications for mental illness | Medications for depression and anxiety. |
Therefore, when you go to see your doctor, bring a list of all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take . Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, tell your doctor.
- Diarrhea: If you have diarrhea, do not take over-the-counter medications. If diarrhea lasts more than two days, or is severe and watery, call your doctor.
- Severe skin reactions: This is very important. Some severe skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting this medicine. If you develop red/purple skin rashes with fever, body aches, or if the rashes blister and peel, or if you develop sores inside your mouth, seek medical advice immediately .
- Birth control: Birth control pills may be less effective while taking this medication. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using an additional method of birth control (e.g., condoms) to prevent pregnancy.
- Vitamins: It may be important to get enough vitamin B6 and vitamin D while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about the foods and vitamins you are taking.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Rifampin can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, pale stools, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Symptoms of bleeding | Bloody or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/purple spots on the skin, and unexplained bruising. |
| Skin blistering/peeling | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Change in the color of bodily fluids | Urine, sweat, saliva, tears, etc. may turn a reddish-orange color. This is expected and harmless. |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, gas, heartburn , loss of appetite. |
| Other features | Headache , dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue. |
Take-Home Message
- Rifampin is a powerful antibiotic that is given for bacterial infections, not viruses.
- All other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are takingTell the doctor about it.
- Talk to your doctor about using an additional form of birth control , as the effectiveness of birth control pills may be reduced while taking this medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe skin lesions, yellowing of the eyes, or unusual bleeding , seek medical advice immediately.
- It's normal for your urine, sweat, and tears to turn red-orange and not something to worry about.
- Complete the entire course of treatment prescribed by the doctor, without skipping a single dose .
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Rifampin IV / Rifadin used for?
This is a very powerful antibiotic! It is mostly used to completely destroy the deadly germs/bacteria called 'Tuberculosis' and severe 'Meningitis'. When the patient is too sick to take pills (in the ICU), doctors inject this medicine directly into the vein (IV).
💬 How does this injection (Rifampin) kill the deadly TB bacteria when injected intravenously?
When the TB bacteria enter our body, they make RNA from its DNA and spread the disease. As soon as this vaccine enters the blood, it completely blocks/inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis, the only factory that makes RNA in the bacteria (RNA polymerase enzyme). Since it cannot send new messages/RNA, the bacteria cannot reproduce and dies within hours.
💬 What are the most dangerous side effects of this powerful vaccine (Rifampin)?
The biggest danger is that it can cause '100% liver damage' (Severe Hepatotoxicity / Liver Damage)! If your skin/eyes turn yellow (Jaundice), go to the hospital immediately. The other surprising and scary thing is that when this goes into your body, your 'urine, tears, and sweat' turn a bright 'Orange-Red' color! (That's a common feature of this drug). The other thing is that it cuts off 100% of the power of other medications you are taking (e.g. birth control pills).
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