How does it work?

Rifampicin is an antibiotic which is most frequently used to treat tuberculosis (TB). Rifampicin targets and inactivates a bacterial chemical called RNA-polymerase. The tuberculosis bacteria use RNA-polymerase to make essential proteins and to copy their own genetic information (DNA). Without this chemical the bacteria cannot reproduce and they die. There are two stages in the treatment for tuberculosis. In the first two months after infection (the initial phase), treatment is aimed at killing as many bacteria as possible. Therefore several anti-TB drugs with different mechanisms of action are used in combination. After this time some of the mediciations are stopped and the others are continued for a further four months (continuation phase) to kill any remaining bacteria. Rifampicin is used in both stages of treatment. The bacteria that cause TB are difficult to treat. By using medications in combination, the bacteria can be targeted in different ways and hence treatment is more likely to be effective than a single medicine alone. In addition, using different medications make it less likely that bacteria will develop resistance to treatment. Rifampicin can also be used to treat infections such as brucellosis, leporosy, legionnaire's disease and serious staphylococcal infections. As for TB, rifampicin should be used in combination with another antibiotic to prevent resistance occuring. Rifampicin is also used to prevent certain types of meningitis.

What is it used for?

Infection caused by the bacteria brucella (brucellosis)

Legionnaires' disease

Leprosy

Prevention of infection from the bacterium H. influenzae in those who may have been exposed to it

Prevention of meningococcal meningitis

Treatment of serious staphylococcal bacterial infections

Treatment of tuberculosis in combination with other drugs

Warning!

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests.

Discolours contact lenses

Your liver functioning should be monitored while you are taking this medicine. Symptoms that may suggest a liver problem include persistent nausea and vomiting, or the development of jaundice (a yellow colouring to the skin and the whites of the eyes). Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

This medicine reduces the effectiveness of the oral contraceptive pill. Additional precautions should be taken to avoid pregnancy (seek advice).

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Jaundice

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy, therefore it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

The medicine passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

Take this medication half to one hour before food.

This medication may cause your urine to be coloured.

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