isoniazid and rifampin

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Pronunciation: eye so NYE a zid and RIF am pin

Brand: IsonaRif, Rifamate

What is the most important information I should know about isoniazid and rifampin?

You should not use isoniazid and rifampin if you have active liver disease (including hepatitis or cirrhosis), or a history of liver problems caused by taking isoniazid.

Serious and sometimes fatal liver problems may occur during treatment with isoniazid and rifampin or after you stop taking this medication, even months after stopping. The risk of liver problems is highest in adults between the ages of 35 and 65. Your liver function may need to be checked every month while you are taking this medicine.

Call your doctor right away if you have: nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, and feeling weak or tired.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while you are taking isoniazid and rifampin.

What is isoniazid and rifampin?

Isoniazid and rifampin are antibiotics that fight bacteria.

Isoniazid and rifampin is a combination medicine used to treat tuberculosis (TB).

Isoniazid and rifampin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking isoniazid and rifampin?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to isoniazid or rifampin, or if you have active liver disease (including hepatitis or cirrhosis), or a history of liver problems caused by taking isoniazid.

To make sure isoniazid and rifampin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • kidney disease;
  • diabetes;
  • gout;
  • seizures; or
  • if you drink alcohol every day.

Serious and sometimes fatal liver problems may occur during treatment with isoniazid and rifampin or after you stop taking this medication, even months after stopping. The risk of liver problems is highest in adults between the ages of 35 and 65. Your liver function may need to be checked every month while you are taking this medicine.

It is not known whether isoniazid and rifampin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Isoniazid and rifampin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking isoniazid and rifampin.

Isoniazid and rifampin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take isoniazid and rifampin?

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using isoniazid and rifampin.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take isoniazid and rifampin on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B6 while you are taking isoniazid and rifampin. Take only the amount of vitamin B6 that your doctor has prescribed.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Isoniazid and rifampin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Isoniazid and rifampin is usually given until lab tests show that the infection has cleared.

This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using isoniazid and rifampin.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking isoniazid and rifampin?

Do not wear soft contact lenses while taking isoniazid and rifampin. Rifampin may turn your tears a red-orange color. This effect could permanently discolor soft contact lenses.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while you are taking isoniazid and rifampin.

What are the possible side effects of isoniazid and rifampin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • nausea, upper stomach pain, feeling weak or tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • vision changes, confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
  • fever, unusual weakness, pale skin; or
  • easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin.

Common side effects may include:

  • red-orange coloration of tears, sweat, saliva, urine, or stools;
  • numbness, tingling, itching, mild rash;
  • drowsiness, dizziness, headache;
  • muscle pain or weakness;
  • heartburn, gas, diarrhea; or
  • mouth pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect isoniazid and rifampin?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with isoniazid and rifampin, especially:

  • an anticoagulant (warfarin, Coumadin).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with isoniazid and rifampin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about isoniazid and rifampin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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