Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Rifampin oral is taken by mouth. Rifampin injection is given as an infusion into a vein.
Take rifampin oral on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take each dose with a full glass of water.
A healthcare provider will give you rifampin injection. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when rifampin is injected.
Rifampin may cause temporary discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva, and tears (a yellow, orange, red, or brown color). This side effect is usually not harmful. However, soft contact lenses may be permanently stained if you wear them while using rifampin.
Dark colored urine can be a sign of liver problems. Call your doctor if you have reddish-brown urine together with upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Rifampin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
You should not stop using rifampin without your doctor's advice. Stopping the medicine suddenly and later starting again may cause kidney problems. Rifampin is usually given until lab tests show that the infection has cleared.
While using rifampin, you may need frequent blood tests.
This medicine may affect a drug-screening urine test and you may have false results. Tell the laboratory staff that you use rifampin.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
 Detailed Rifampin dosage information
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose can cause worsening symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, itching, headache, lack of energy leading to loss of consciousness, and dark or discolored skin, saliva, tears, urine, or stools.
