Rifamate (Rifampin/Isoniazid) is a prescription medication used to treat tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs. Rifamate is also used to treat infections such as Leprosy, Legionnaires Disease, Brucellosis, and serious staphylococcal infections. This drug may also be prescribed to people who may be infected but do not show symptoms of infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. The active ingredient in Rifamate is Rifampin and Isoniazid. Rifampin belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics. It works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria. Isoniazid belongs to a class of medications called antituberculosis agents.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Rifamate from the United Kingdom also called Rifinah manufactured by Sanofi Aventis in the strength of 300mg/150mg tablets. The generic Rifampin/Isoniazid is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Rifamate. The most common side effects of Rifamate may include the following:
• Appetite loss;
• Change in color of urine to orange or red;
• Feeling sleeping;
• Feeling tired or weak;
• Headache;
• Heartburn;
• Stomach cramps
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects including:
• Changes in tooth color;
• Dizziness;
• Fast heartbeat;
• Increased skin sensitivity to sun;
• Itchy skin;
• Seizures;
• Shortness of breath;
• Swelling of mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat;
• Vision problems
These are not all of the side effects of Rifamate. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Rifamate if you are allergic to Rifampin, Isoniazid, or any ingredient in Rifamate. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have gout or liver problems;
• Have high blood sugar;
• Have hypoprothrombinemia or are vitamin K deficient;
• Wear contact lenses
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Rifamate and atazanavir, zidovudine, telaprevir, phenytoin, hormonal contraceptives, quinidine, haloperidol, etc. avoid oxycodone, cyclosporine, digoxin, prednisolone, ketoconazole, or diazepam with Rifamate. Food and drinks like cheese and red wine may cause sudden, severe high blood pressure when taken with Rifamate. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Rifamate may cause postnatal hemorrhages when administered during the last trimester. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Rifamate passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may not work to prevent pregnancy. Use other kinds of birth control, like condoms, when taking Rifamate.
Take Rifamate precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Take this drug on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Swallow the drug with a full glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Do not take antacids within 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking Rifamate. Use this drug for the full length of treatment. Do not stop using the drug without talking to your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol when using this drug. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Rifamate. This medicine may stain contact lenses. Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Store in a dry place at 250C.
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